A WIDOW is fighting plans to build a children's playground over the spot where her late husband's ashes are buried.

Elizabeth Wheatley, who lives in Nesham Place, Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, has created a shrine in her garden to her husband, Ralph, who died in 1996.

But the ownership of the land is disputed by Lisa Lawrence, who owns the neighbouring Bethany Christian Church and is planning to open it as a private nursery next month.

Ms Lawrence claims to own the lawn and wants to build a play area for the youngsters.

She said Mrs Wheatley had the right to cross the land, which separates their properties, but did not own it.

Mrs Wheatley insists the deeds to her house show she owns the garden and will not give it up without a fight.