RESIDENTS can no longer park on land used for that purpose for more than 30 years after a developer erected an ‘eyesore’ fence.

People in the area have been left angry after Satnam Millenium put up the fence on Birch Avenue.

An appeal against the council’s decision to refuse Satnam’s plans for 1,200 homes on nearby Peel Hall was dismissed in December.

But, in February, Warrington North MP Helen Jones warned that a fresh application could be submitted earlier than expected.

Residents believe Satnam does not own the land where the fence has been erected, although the developer disputes this.

And they have hit out at the ‘bullying’ and ‘intimidation’ tactics used by Satnam – which they say does nothing to help public relations in its bid to build on Peel Hall.

Save Peel Hall member Margaret Steen said: “How this company can expect co-operation in any form from residents when they use these tactics is beyond me.

“It is such a narrow road. By keeping cars off the road, it meant the road was a bit easier to get down and it helped to keep the road clear.

“Not only is this fence above the legal height and installed on the footway but it is also an eyesore – it completely spoils the street scene of this small residential road.

“Also, the fence installer has left all of his rubbish behind, including the old boundary fencing which he partially removed. The old fencing still contains many exposed nails.

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“We know they are monitoring all roads to put in another planning application.

“The fence they have put up is appalling.

“Residents at Birch Avenue were allowed to park in that area for the last 30 years without any objections.

“The residents claim because they have been using it for 30 years they have a right to adverse possession.”

But Satnam Millenium has hit back following the comments.

A spokesman said: “The rights to park on this land were conferred on named residents, not as a general right, and all but one of those residents no longer reside at Birch Avenue.

“As such, we wrote to the residents asking if any would like a parking permit to park on the land – no one took up this offer.

“Accordingly, and following good estate management practice, the fence has been erected leaving the one parking space for the remaining resident entitled to park there.

“Far from bullying and intimidating residents who do not have a right to park on privately-owned land, we have shown nothing but respect for the resident who has a right to park on our land, as well as those who don’t.

“As far as we are aware, the fence is erected on our land.

“We are sorry the residents felt it was acceptable to cause problems and issue threats against our contractor during this work but we are pleased it is now completed.”

The council remains tight-lipped while it looks into the matter.

“We are currently looking into this and it would be inappropriate to comment further, while the investigation is ongoing,” said a spokesman.