A bitter dispute has erupted in a leafy suburb over a blocked public footpath between two £1.2 million homes.
The conflict, which began when a wall collapsed during a storm last October, has escalated into a heated confrontation involving threats, intimidation, and police intervention.
Residents of Woodland Drive, Hove, Sussex are furious as the path remains obstructed by rubble and damaged fencing nearly a year after the incident.
The situation has deteriorated to the point where some homeowners are considering selling their properties.
A bitter dispute has erupted in a leafy suburb over a blocked public footpath between two £1.2 million homesGoogle maps
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Daily Mail: “This used to be a really lovely place to live and these are all very desirable properties but it is like a war zone round here at the moment.”
The conflict began when a storm in October last year caused a wall to collapse, blocking the well-used public footpath. A 10-foot wire fence was erected to allow property owners to clear the path and make repairs.
However, nearly a year later, no progress has been made. The rubble remains, and the alleyway is still closed.
Residents have complained to the council, demanding immediate action to reopen the public right of way. But they now face opposition from a neighbour living on the other side of the footpath.
At a recent public meeting, this neighbour angrily confronted councillors and other residents, drowning out their complaints.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The escalating tensions have led to multiple police interventions. Sussex Police confirmed they are investigating threats made outside an address on Woodland Drive on September 13.
Residents report feeling unsafe in their own neighbourhood. One person said: “I’ve been screamed at in the street and verbally abused in front of my children.”
Another resident, identified only as Charles, said: “It’s got out of hand and now one family is taking the law into its own hands.”
The situation has become so severe that some residents are reluctant to speak out publicly. One said: “I don’t want to put my head above the parapet because the threats and intimidation are too serious to take lightly.”
Police have urged witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, quoting serial 117 of 14/09.
Brighton and Hove City Council has announced plans to reopen the contentious footpath.
Councillor Trevor Muten said: “We now intend to issue a section 78 notice under the Building Act 1984 which gives us, as the local authority, the power to remove dangerous structures.”
The council aims to complete the work within days, erecting fencing on both sides of the path and installing CCTV cameras for monitoring.
At a recent public meeting, this neighbour angrily confronted councillors and other residents, drowning out their complaints (stock image)
Getty
Cllr Muten added: “Any signs remaining that indicate the footpath is private are incorrect and will be removed.”
Acknowledging the delay in addressing the issue, he added: “We accept we should have acted sooner but we have now made this a priority.”
The council’s action seeks to restore community access to what Cllr Muten described as a “much-loved footpath”.
