A FARMER who put up a fence to protect his livestock and land has seen it deliberately destroyed.

Mr Mark Phalp, who farms at School Farm, Great Ayton, said the land had been fenced off, leaving a footpath corridor, as a deterrent to dog walkers who have allowed their pets to foul the land and chase livestock. He had also had trouble with glass bottles and dog dirt when making silage. The damage to the fence occurred on Tuesday night.

"The police have been informed, but we do not think it is the work of kids," said Mr Phalp. "The fence has been deliberately cut all along its length, leaving bare wires that could have damaged the stock if it had not been discovered."

Mr Phalp said that though the land was fenced, dog walkers still had two acres of land to use to exercise their animals. "But it is obviously not enough for them," he added.

The incident is being treated as an act of criminal damage by Northallerton police.

Anyone with any information about who might have damaged the fence can contact the Crimedesk there on 01609 789460.