PYLONS protestor Rosalind Craven's long-running battle against the National Grid flared up again at her farm gate yesterday.

The 62-year-old widow refused to unlock the gate at Home Farm, Huby, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, to allow contractors to begin reinstatement work, following construction of three pylons.

She claimed the company had no right of entry without a warrant, but company representatives said they believed they had the right under compulsory way-leaves granted to carry out works.

A worker then used an electric saw to cut through the lock, with representatives saying they would provide compensation for any damage caused.

The confrontation came a year to the day after Mrs Craven fought to prevent the National Grid gaining access to her land to begin preparatory work before the pylons were construction.

The company wanted to build the pylons as part of its controversial scheme for a new power line from Picton, in Teesside, to Shipton-by-Beningbrough, near York.

Mrs Craven had been warned by National Grid lawyers that she risked being in contempt of court if she obstructed access, in breach of an injunction granted at the High Court last December.

Mrs Craven lost an appeal against that injunction earlier this year and has now applied for the appeal to be reopened.

A National Grid spokesman said the company very much regretted the situation.

He said the work was aimed at restoring the land, removing an access roadway and replacing top soil.

* The section of the line from Picton to Shipton has now been energised. The first section was switched on on June 26, while the second was activated at the end of July.

The Lackenby to Picton section is expected to completed and energised by early November.