A WARRINGTON couple who found their dream home to retire to in Grappenhall have suddenly discovered they can't buy the property because they have two dogs, not one.

Al and Carol Neal, who have been looking at properties for months, and are currently renting a home in Walton, had their offer on the £128,000 house on Barrymore Court accepted and were ready to sign when they discovered the restriction in the deeds.

When the 12 houses were built 30 years ago, a covenant was put on by the developers that allows only one dog to move in, but families could, for example, have a dog and a cat.

The couple, who have had their beloved rescued Bassett Griffins Poppy and Chaplain for six years, felt they could never give one up.

To live in the court you automatically become a member of the Barrymore Court Residents' Association, so Mr Neal's solicitor wrote to the chairman, Frank Melborne, to ask if the covenant could be overlooked by the residents, because Mr Neal did not want to anger the neighbours.

The covenant could be ignored because it is not controlled by the association, but at the owners' peril if somebody decided to take action.

The Neals were told they must adhere to the rules and that the "majority" of residents would not allow it.

Despite representation and offers to take the dogs to meet the neighbours, the association is not budging.

"It's a bit heartless of them to object because of this silly covenant. You could have a Great Dane and a big Persian pussy but not two little dogs," said Mr Neal.

"We are on the verge of World War III and people are worrying about the number of pets you can have.

"My wife and I are pretty upset, we had set out hearts on that house.

"It is difficult to find a property where it meets most of your requirements like this one did. We could try and change it but we do not want to