I did see the picture but it wasn't very clear to where it was cut or the location of it or if the cable was attached or loose to the wall.

If he's happy to pay for it, then so be it. But I wouldn't...

Well, the line has been reconnected and the engineer has used cable clips to attach it to the wall. Some of these are not even very well secured into the wall. But at least it is out of the way now.

I am getting the same speeds as before so thats a relief. Just have to wait now and see if they will charge us, which I am guessing they will.

The line was cut. There is no missing section. It was not in any way attached to the wall. It was simply laying on the ground.

So, 'BT' should periodically be going round checking the state of each and every line in the country, get real.

No, it was the OP's doing, he has damaged Openreach line plant, that it was in a tatty state was neither here no there, it was clearly all working fine until Edward Scissorhands started gardening.

If they bill is less only £99, I would be highly surprised.

Well guessing that it was installed before BT existed I reckon there's a fair chance that it was done that way by a government department.

I think the government should issue an apology and pay any bill that arrives.

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

So, 'BT' should periodically be going round checking the state of each and every line in the country, get real.

????

If it is their responsibility, it is their responsibility!

But not to go make a visual check on the physical state of exterior cabling, unless called to a fault.

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

But not to go make a visual check on the physical state of exterior cabling, unless called to a fault.

But who said anything about going out to it, other than for a fault?

Regardless, however the "fault" was caused, if the cable had not been installed adequately (i.e. adequately protected/buried out the way of "routine" type gardening) it still would be BT's liability!

Certainly, if I was in the OP's position, I would be arguing that if BT tried to charge me!

What makes you think the white wire was installed in that position by an authorised person?

What is that hole to the right that I referred to earlier? It did look to me at the time that it was rather large for a clamp - but perfect for the originally installed wire to have gone through.