A RARE 200-year-old ornamental wooden fence plagued by vandals could be replaced by a metal one to deter further damage.

Councillors have decided that the fence, outside Guisborough's Sunnyfield House, should be replaced with a metal one in the same design.

But weeks after the decision, by Redcar and Cleveland and Guisborough town councillors, people are still awaiting the final go-ahead from the Government Office for the North-East in Newcastle.

Councillors took action after extensive vandalism to the 60ft-long decorative fence, which has also been damaged on previous occasions.

Experts say it is expensive to replace because the 17th Century building is listed and authentic replacement parts must be found.

Town councillors say its replacement should be made out of metal, but English Heritage, borough planners and the Ancient Monuments Society insist on wood.

Guisborough councillor Keith Pudney said changing to metal would not be detrimental to the image of the surrounding conservation area. He said: "It cannot be justified to expend the thousands of pounds required for replacement of this in timber when you see how easy it is to damage."