RESIDENTS are furious a fence will be erected to block their access to playing fields.

Richmondshire District Council officers are unhappy that residents have installed gates in their back gardens to access the playing fields at the village primary school in Melsonby, near Richmond.

Residents have been told by the council a fence will go up at the back of houses in Moor Road.

In response, more than 60 people have signed a petition that was left in the village post office.

Moor Road residents Bill and Karen Storey have recently put up a gate on to the field.

Mrs Storey, 44, said: "I really do not understand why they're putting up a fence.

"We have got a beautiful view and a 6ft fence is going to ruin it.

"It is a total waste of taxpayers' money."

Susan Waller, 46, has paid the council £1 a week for the past 16 years for access from her back garden to the field.

She said: "Kids will have to go round by the main road if they want to get into the field - it's madness."

However, council grounds officer Gary Hudson said: "Whilst we appreciate that some residents have been using, or even creating back gates on to the field for many years now, the council cannot allow access on to the school sports field and play area.

"Public safety, both of the schoolchildren and residents, as well as public liability, is the issue here.

"It is a change to what has become a convenient access route to the field, but it is a change that has to happen.

"Public access via these homes on to council land is unlawful.

"The council intends to put up a fence along the existing boundary in the near future to ensure that access is stopped."