RESIDENTS are furious after a 6ft-high industrial fence “eyesore” was put in place outside their homes.

The fence has been put up in North Street, Walton, cutting off access from the street to the town’s Mere site.

It also blocks off a well-used pathway bordering the town’s Mere site and linking up with Vicarage Lane.

It has been erected by Silverbrook Estates, which owns Walton Mere.

But residents are outraged that the massive metal fence was put up on their doorsteps without consultation.

Nearby resident Susan Merry said: “They hacked down the trees that the council planted years ago to put this monstrosity up. It is a real eyesore.

“It has cut off access to a footpath through to the water and through to Vicarage Lane, which many people have loved to walk over the years.

“We are all very upset about this.”

A spokesman for Silverbrook Estates said: “We have put up a fence on a site in our ownership for health and safety reasons.

“There have been instances of fly-tipping and unsociable behaviour at the site.

“The company consulted with the local authority in advance.”