Residents outraged at the state of the "eyesore" grass verges on their street are frustrated that measures they have taken to protect them have been removed.
People living in Loraine Crescent in Darlington say that the grass verges are in the worst state they have ever been in.
Several residents put out wooden stakes on the grass in front of their houses to protect it - but say Darlington Council workers came in and removed them all without a word.
Many said they did not know who had removed their property and were frustrated at continuous damage to their verges.
However, a spokesperson for the council said it had a duty to remove unauthorised items from verges and urged residents not to take matters into their own hands.
Residents on the estate said they wished to remain anonymous and not cast blame on any individuals on the street.
One said: "We have had our stakes stolen.
"Somebody said that the council's Street Scene team had taken them out but they aren't taking them out in other places.
"We drove around Danesmoor the other day and they were allowed them.
"People like to keep their surroundings nice and there are others who don't care.
"We had put out stakes to protect our grass and they just disappeared.
"We want one rule for everyone.
"It's worse than it has ever been. When we moved here it was beautiful and now it is an eyesore."
Another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: "I have tried talking to the council.
"There are people with too many cars for their property.
"They have to be more considerate to the people who live next to the grass they are churning up.
"It's dangerous for people having all the mud on the footpaths. People could slip.
"People have resorted to putting stakes into the grass to stop people parking on it.
"Someone has come along and pulled them all out."
Another resident called for residential parking to be introduced due to the Parkruns and other events in South Park.
They said: "We need the council to do more to tell people that they can't park on the grass.
"We have an issue with people parking here for events in the park.
"If we had residential parking it wouldn't be an issue."
A Darlington Borough Council spokesperson said: "Whilst we understand residents’ frustration caused by drivers thoughtlessly parking on and churning up grass verges, particularly over the winter months, people should not take matters into their own hands.
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"The council has a duty to ensure any unauthorised items placed on verges that could have the potential to cause harm or damage are removed.
"Residents should be mindful that, whilst this may have been done with the best intentions, the person who placed items on the highway would be liable for any injuries or claims if there were to be an accident or damage to a vehicle.
"The council will continue to repair damage caused to verges, but it is important for drivers to understand that whilst parking on a grass verge is not illegal, a driver may be open to prosecution if their vehicle is persistently damaging a verge, parked dangerously or causing an obstruction."
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