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BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833)<br />
Pic: MikePearse/BNPS<br />
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The fence now. <br />
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A parish council that blocked a couple's garden gate in a petty row have removed the barricade after a three year battle that has cost the taxpayer £14,000.<br />
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Village hall officials erected a 6ft tall fence across the garden entrance that Michael and Lesley Pearse had used for 19 years to access a public park 15ft away.<br />
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The bureaucrats tried to argue an easement - right of passage - the Pearses had enjoyed was a gift by them which they could withdraw.<br />
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The furious couple insisted the right of way was written into their deeds and asked Queen Thorne Parish Council in Dorset to remove their fence.<br />
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The officials refused, resulting in a legal dispute that lasted for nearly three years until the case was settled in favour of the Pearses on the eve of the matter going to court.