A GROUP of residents in Stourport have won their 18-month battle with a homeowner, who has been ordered to take down a controversial fence.

More than 100 protesters from Callow Close, Wrekin Walk and Bowpatch Road fought for the fence to be taken down because they claimed it blocked off a piece of land used by children.

The original application made by John and Jane Payne, who own the fence at the back of their Bowpatch Road home, was rejected by Wyre Forest District Council's planning committee last year.

Meanwhile, the disputed structure - between Callow Close and Wrekin Walk - has remained standing while an appeal against the council's decision was in progress.

A planning inspector, appointed by the Government, has decided "the fence was erected in breach of planning control" and has ordered it to be taken down by the end of this year.

His report said it "causes unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of Callow Close and Wrekin Walk".

Campaigner Roger Winter said: "It has taken some time and been very acrimonious at times but we are happy with the decision. It is a very important piece of land that has always been in use by children and has been used for community celebrations.

"Without the full support of the residents and local councillors then it would have been very difficult to have obtained this victory."

The protesters now plan to safeguard the land by making it a legally-declared "village green". This would protect it from any similar developments in the future.