I think its probably beyond redemption - lavenders are only expected to last about 5 years because they get very woody, and you can't cut into the old wood because they don't regrow from it. About the only thing to do is clip it over, taking flower stems and about an inch of foliage, and see what happens - if those flowers aren't finished yet, you might want to wait till they are.

Hi, I would suggest that you trim it as Bamboo has said, then plant it in the garden, plant it so that most of the brown wood is covered, it will at least make it look better, but ideally I would get a new plant, they're not very expensive, and can be cared for from the start, cutting off the flower stalks, and leaving an inch or 2 of new growth each year, Derek.

I'd try to take a few cuttings - then you can kid yourself you have the same plant...

thanks for all your advise, iv decided to give it a hair cut for next season and see what happens next year, hopefully it will show a bit more than this,
thanks again
Steve

Do that certainly, but do take cuttings - this looks as though it is reaching the end of its expected life span, which is probably why your neighbour removed it.