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Subject: TargetFollow threatening letters AKA Ransom Strip demands
Sent: 06 April 2016
Dear Sir, Madam and all interested parties.
You are no doubt aware that TargetFollow, the company that owns the Pantiles and the Tunbridge Wells & Rusthall Commons, have recently been attempting to elicit money from the vulnerable, the elderly or from those who just don't know any better, for their alledged rights to access their houses by foot or by vehicle, and indeed to receive services such as gas, electricity, water etc. via pipes or wires that cross over or under the Commons.
TargetFollow have just sent out another batch of letters to properties that border the Commons using strong language that the unwary may respond to in a way that is likely to cause them unwarranted and continual expense. This being the cost of solicitors specialising in property litigation and conveyencing, the cost of accessing their deeds and registering new documents with the Land Registry. Not the least those who submit to TargetFollow face a bill of £350 for the set up costs and £300 each year for their licence and possible devaluation of their property.
My neighbours are all quite elderly - most over 80 years of age and these letters have sent them into some trepidation and turmoil. They have all lived in their cottages all their lives and have never had these kinds of demands from the previous owners of the Common. I understand that even a residential home for the vulnerable (Rusthall Elms) has also received these letters.
The truth is that this is all a cynical scam by the bully boy tactics of a company based in Norwich, who have no right to make these demands of us. Most of the properties affected will be able to prove that they have a Prescriptive Easement, if they, and the previous owners of the property, can attest that they have enjoyed the right of crossing the Common to reach their property and receive the utility services, for at least 20 years, and so TargetFollow, realising this, are attempting to get a return of folk who will submit to their demands without realising the knock-on affect this will have on their property. Because, once you have paid for TargetFollow's licence, that will for ever cancel that property's right of easement, and future owners of that property will always have to pay the annual fee.
I am writing to you today to enlist your support to give this matter some more publicity so that the public who are affected do not submit to TargetFollow, and also to help me defend my elderly and other neighbours to get this appalling company off the backs of the people you represent in any way you might see fit. Ideally, this might include raising awareness using social media and the press. Perhaps some "hands off" letters to TargetFollow, or even support of the campaign to return the ownership of the Common to the people of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall.
Yours sincerely
Mark Howden
Rusthall Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8RD
Tel 01892 731744 email: mark_howden@btinternet.com
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