A pensioner has criticised an ‘unsightly’ new fence after it appeared in the middle of a nature path.

Alan Ryden, from Amersham, was shocked after a fence was erected on a footpath near his home without a warning. 

The path connects Lime Tree Walk and Lincoln Park.

It has been a popular route with locals for more than 30 years, Alan said.

Now one of the house owners has extended their rear garden with the new fence, reducing the walkway to a narrow strip.

Bucks Free Press: The look of Lime Tree Walk in winter and after the fence was erected The look of Lime Tree Walk in winter and after the fence was erected (Image: Alan Ryden)

Although walkers can still go past it, Alan said it was “a shame” the path had been affected after the fence appeared on May 31.

He said: “I enjoyed going for a walk each day, it was a pleasure because you could walk to the park and it was only a few minutes away and it’s away from the main roads.

“Lots of school children and college students use it. It was pleasant with a row of lime trees.

“It was a well used path.

“Now the view has been spoiled, and I think it’s inconsiderate.”

He said he knew he may sound “too concerned” over the path, but he said the new fence was “unnecessary”.

“It’s a shame, we had this nice open route and when you look all you see is boarded. And it’s unattractive. Someone just decided ‘I own the land I’ll stick the fence further out and make it narrower,” Alan said.

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On approach the fence appears to block the way, but there’s a narrow way to the right. 

However, Alan was concerned how people on mobility scooters and with buggies could fit past it. 

“It’s much narrower and once the vegetation starts growing, it will be even narrower,” he said.

Before the current houses, the avenue of lime trees was part of an estate, which is why all the lime trees are now protected, Alan claimed.  

When the land was sold to developers, there was a condition to grant people access to the path, but it is not a public path, he continued.

Buckinghamshire Council's cabinet member for planning and regeneration Peter Strachan said: “We have been made aware of a fence in Amersham being erected and are investigating this potential breach to see if the installation requires a planning permission and if any action needs to be taken. 

“In the meantime, we can confirm that the fence doesn’t breach a public right of way, although we are looking if an amendment needs to be made due to the length of time that the access appears to have been used.”