A CONTROVERSIAL fence to prevent legal action from a neighbour has been erected at a village community centre.

The 2.4m-high fence was put up at The Grange Community Centre in an effort to resolve a long-standing legal dispute between Hurworth Parish Council and neighbour Gary Orpen.

Mr Orpen has said that the parish council has not taken sufficient steps to prevent vandalism to his property by youths congregating at the Grange, and has threatened to sue.

Residents who feel the land should remain public say they have now turned to legal action themselves and submitted an injunction to Darlington County Court in a bid to get the £8,000 fence torn down.

Chris Close, who is representing the villagers, said they had submitted the injunction to the county court and they were due to be served to the parish council.

He said: "The application has been submitted but the court declined to hear it ex parte (without all parties present) so we are waiting for the county court to serve them.

"The judge was not minded to hear it ex parte as he wanted them to be heard on it because they have spent 8,000."

Parish council chairman Ian Holme said: "With the fence now erected and completed to a high standard, most will see just how little it actually impacts upon The Grange grounds.

"We feel that this is represents a satisfactory compromise ensuring that no land is handed to a third party and, as this is a parish council-owned fence on its own land, there is no third party control over the fence either.

"The area is gated and should anyone express any great desire to go in there, access can be arranged.

"A letter from Mr Orpen's lawyers confirms that this brings an end to his dispute with Hurworth Parish Council and the Community Association.

"Sadly, we have heard that a few individuals are intent on making legal representations regarding the erection of the fence. To date no papers have been received.

"If and when this occurs those choosing to take this action will be held liable for all legal costs incurred in order to ensure that the council tax payers of the parish will not be exposed to further expense on what has already been a prolonged and damaging affair."