RESIDENTS fear that a six-foot fence built to block a footpath by a neighbour is a danger to children.

The wooden fence, complete with official-looking "footpath closed" signs, was erected because of a dispute between a resident and the council over who owns the land that the footpath crosses.

Billy Boyd, who lives in Humber Place, on Skerne Park, in Darlington, said he saw his neighbour building the fence at the weekend and asked him what it was about.

"He said that according to the house deeds, the land in front belongs to him, and not the council."

Mr Boyd said his neighbour had contacted the council to sell them the land so they could build the pavement.

"They made him a joke offer, they got into a dispute about it and now he's built this fence," he said.

"If he's got a beef with the council and this is the only way he can resolve it then good luck to him.

"I don't think the council are the easiest people to negotiate with.

"It's a good fence, he's done a good job on it. It will have cost quite a bit."

Mr Boyd said his only concern about the fence was that it was a danger for children playing in the street and could prevent ambulances and other emergency vehicles getting through.

But Julie Atkinson who lives nearby, said the fence was an eyesore and a danger.

"There are a lot of children who play in this street, there's a blind corner and they can't see round the fence to see if any cars are coming round, and the parents can't keep an eye on them because of it.

"He must have a good reason for building the fence and if it is his land then more power to him. It's just a shame it's such an eyesore and dangerous for the kids."

A council spokesman said: "There is a dispute over the ownership of the land and our legal people are looking into it."

The owner of the property was not available for comment yesterday.