RESIDENTS are furious with a property development company which has built a fence around woodland near their homes and blocked off a well-used footpath.

People in Blackfyne, Consett, woke up to find their views of trees obscured by an eight-foot-tall chipboard fence.

The woodland is part of the former Derwentside College complex in Park Road, which was bought by Medomsley developer Strathmore Homes earlier this year. It is to be redeveloped as executive housing.

The company says it needs the fence in place for health and safety reasons during demolition.

Villagers had previously objected to plans by Strathmore to fell 65 trees it said were diseased or dangerous. Derwentside District Council issued a blanket Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on the woodland in November, preventing the company from felling any of the trees.

Residents' action group spokesman Greg Coltman said: " It is not a security fence or a health and safety fence - it is just blocking people's views.

"It has caused a lot of outrage in Consett. People walking past are just stopping and staring at this solid mass."

Alex Watson, leader of Derwentside District Council said: "We are taking legal advice on the issue of the fence.

"We will be talking to Strathmore Homes within the next two weeks, to try and resolve what has become a very unpleasant situation."

The property developer issued this statement: "Strathmore Homes recognises that, in compliance with safety requirements for such a large demolition and construction site, adequate temporary fencing must be provided to protect the public - particularly the threat from children.

"Statutory bodies have been informed about works commencement. Temporary fencing should be completed shortly around the site."