VILLAGERS across Britain were yesterday warned they may fall victim to an access charge which could affect thousands of households.

The problem was highlighted in Sutton-on-the-Forest, North Yorkshire, where people have been told to get legal advice.

Anyone in the village who has to cross common land owned by Sir George Wombwell to reach their homes now faces an annual charge.

Some people in the village will pay two per cent of the value of their homes, which are worth up to £600,000.

The charge will raise concern in some of Britain's oldest villages. Anyone who has to cross common ground owned by a private landlord is now liable to be handed a substantial bill.

Elly Franklin moved to Sutton-on-the-Forest with her husband five years ago from Derbyshire.

Their Victorian terraced house on the village's Main Street has been valued at about £200,000.

Under the access law they will have to pay between £500 and £1,000 a year to the lord of the manor - just to drive across a 6ft strip of grass.

Mrs Franklin said: "We are holding a village meeting to look into the possibility of getting group legal advice.

"These are not inconsiderable fees that are being discussed and it is something we must act on.

"There are households the length of Britain who must be in the same situation as us and this must be highlighted."

Sir George would not confirm whether he would charge people to access his land and get to their drives.

But he said: "It is my right. But no one has applied yet.

"We will take each case as it is. I can't make any further comment."

Sir George lives in the family's ancestral home at Newburgh Priory, Coxwold, near Easingwold.