HURWORTH Parish Council has agreed to fence off an area of public woodland in an attempt to avoid being sued by an angry neighbour.

But the decision, passed at a meeting on Thursday which the press and public were not allowed to attend, has left some councillors "extremely saddened and disappointed".

The decision was passed by five votes to four.

Gary Orpen, who lives in Hurworth Cottage, next to Hurworth Grange Community Centre, first threatened to sue in May last year. He said Hurworth Parish Council and Hurworth Community Association had not done enough to stop anti-social behaviour in The Grange's grounds.

The parish council's original solution - leasing Mr Orpen a "buffer zone" of The Grange's land - was rejected in April after public opposition.

With legal action still looming, the parish council has agreed, in principle, to fence off the wooded area without leasing or selling it.

The fence would have gates, which would be locked at night to deter anti-social behaviour but would allow the area to be used during the day.

But councillors who wanted to consult residents before deciding were disappointed when that proposal was rejected on Thursday.

Councillor Ian Holme said: "A number of us voting against this second proposal (to build the fence) are extremely saddened and disappointed that, once again, the parish have failed to adequately engage with the community they purport to represent, and to explain the reasoning for fencing off an area of public land held in their name.

"While some sort of fenced area may, in the end, be the only viable solution, a proposal has been agreed that has not been costed, proven viable, or that even necessarily offers a solution to this difficult problem."

A parish council statement, released yesterday, said details of the size, location, and materials of the fence would be discussed at a meeting with Mr Orpen.

Hurworth Community Association, which runs The Grange, will also be consulted. Any fence over two metres high would need planning permission.

The parish council statement said: "In coming to this decision, the parish council has attempted to resolve the matter without the need to enter into a possible prolonged and costly court action against all concerned, and to ensure the continuation of Hurworth Community Association.