RESIDENTS are protesting after a property developer built a fence around woodland near their homes and blocked off a well-used footpath.

Homeowners in Blackfyne, Consett, complained after they found their views of trees obscured by an 8ft-high chipboard fence.

Officials from Derwentside District Council are taking legal advice on the matter and plan to hold talks with Medomsley developer Strathmore Homes in the next two weeks.

The woodland is part of the former Derwentside College complex in Park Road, bought by the firm earlier this year. It is to be developed as executive housing.

The company says it needs the security fence in place for health and safety requirements while the demolition of the old college is carried out.

Villagers had objected to the company's plans to fell 65 of the trees it said were diseased or dangerous.

Derwentside District Council stepped in and issued a blanket Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on the woodland in November, preventing the company from cutting down 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.

"There has been massive public outcry and outrage over this, not just from residents next to the site, but from people who used the path.

"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 a statement saying: "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."