A DISPUTE between neighbours boiled over and ended up in court.

Linda Felton, 45, from London Road, Benfleet, had a long-running feud with next-door neighbours Patricia and Jonathon Frost, Southend Magistrates’ Court heard.

Linda Felton was accused of using abusive language towards the couple on two occasions, on September 21 last year. She denied both charges, and was due to face trial.

However, the Crown Prosecution Service decided, because both sides were said to have behaved inappropriately, to withdraw both charges.

Instead, Linda Felton was bound over to behave well for a year.

If she commits an offence during this time, she will have to pay £100.

Paul Scothern, prosecuting, said there had been arguments between the two families, who both have young children, going back some time.

The first incident, on September 19, involved Patricia Frost telling off Linda Felton’s children as they played in the back garden.

She used abusive language, and later had to pay a fixed penalty notice to police.

Two days later, Linda Felton challenged Patricia Frost about the incident, and herself used “inappropriate” language. Later, when Jonathon Frost has been called home from work early by his wife because of the argument, the couple again complained Linda Felton had used foul language.

Police arrested Linda Felton, who then complained about Patricia Frost’s behaviour two days previously, resulting in her fine.

Jane Waring, defending, said: “Both parties accept that on occasions they acted inappropriately.

“My client does deny saying the words and behaviour alleged, but she accepts she behaved as she shouldn’t have done.”