ARTISTS could face court action if they fail to remove an access on their property that dates back to 1857.

The North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA) wrote to Judith and William Tillyer, of Westwood Studios, Ingleby Greenhow, about two gates.

They say one gate is never used and the other grants essential access to 14 acres of land. They have maps showing an access there as far back as 1857.

Without it their only access is via a domestic drive they share with a neighbour.

But the tractors used to maintain the land could not reach it from there as there is no room once they reach the top of the drive.

Losing the access would also create problems for the gas board, which requires access to a major pipeline running under the land.

And farmers could not keep animals there as they would have to be brought in and out past the Tillyers home.

According to the letter the disused gate must be removed by tomorrow. The deadline for removal of the access is a month later.

Mrs Tillyer said: "We have 14 acres of land and no way to access it. It will mean all machinery will have to come through the domestic access, which we share with someone else. It will also mean the gas people will not be able to get in. If we wanted to put animals on it they wouldn’t be able to. I wouldn’t be happy with people bringing their flocks of animals through my garden to get to the land.

"I haven’t got a clue what to do next. By this Saturday that gate has to be removed. I’m just at a loss. I cannot go and physically remove it myself."

A spokesperson from the North York Moors National Park Authority said: "We received a complaint about the gates and as planning authority for the National Park had a duty to investigate. It would seem that there has been a breach of an earlier enforcement notice but one of our officers is currently in discussions with Mrs Tillyer about a suitable resolution to the matter."