A ROW has broken out over a two-metre steel fence in Woodborough.

Villagers say the fence, around a farm, is ugly and spoils the village.

Residents living in The Meadows also fear the fence will cut off access to their homes.

But the farm owners say the fence is here to stay.

Nick Walker, 54, who has lived in Woodborough for 20 years, said the fence and gate were "totally inappropriate".

He said: "It's a 2m high galvanised steel post fence, something you would find in an industrial estate. If the gate is closed I've got a serious problem over the fire brigade getting to me if my house is on fire. There could also be problems with refuse collection."

The fence was put in place three weeks ago after new owners wanted the land to be used for agriculture.

Before then the private land had been used by villagers for dog walking and there had been an agreement to allow refuse workers and emergency services unlimited access.

Villagers have now launched a petition to get the planning laws changed so they would be asked for their opinion in future.

Mr Walker said: "We appreciate the fence is legal but it's not in keeping with the village."

Kate Newton, of Main Street, said: "It's horrendous. It belongs to an industrial estate."

Janice Harrington, of Main Street, said: "It looks absolutely ridiculous, like a detention centre. A lot of people are upset."

Roger Holehouse, who bought the land with son Charles last year, insisted the land was not a public right of way.

He said he originally offered to put up a wider wooden gate and told residents about his plans, but was sent a lawyers' letter saying he could not do it.

He said the fence and gate would act as a deterrent to people trying to drive or walk on the land – but that he would not lock the gate.

"This field is going back to agriculture," he added.

The petition will be discussed at a parish council meeting on December 7.