Hopeless wrote:
Hi.

I have just discovered a water mains stop-cock under a small square
lid in my garden (ex-council). I have asked them to move it, but they
said they cannot/won't unless I agree to pay for a new supply pipe. I
think that's a bit of liberty, as they currently have their property
trespassing on mine. A year ago I successfully asked the local
authority to remove a "trespassing" lampost at zero cost to myself,
so I wonder were I stand if I want to force Southern Water's hand.

Regards,
Hopeless

You stand on shaky ground. Look up "statutory easement".