Sean Davidson, of St Crispin Way, Raunds, and his neighbours cannot understand why the fence at the back of their properties, which back onto Brick Kiln Road, has to be moved when it is not causing any problems. When the fence was put up it was put behind the tree line because although this is over the boundary line of their properties, the neighbours were told they had to maintain the trees and this made it easier.

Placing the fence behind the trees also allowed the neighbours to keep the area, which had been prone to rubbish being thrown onto it, tidy.

Mr Davidson, 50, said: "After seven years, when absolutely no complaints were made by anyone, Northamptonshire County Council decided we were over the official line and that the fences should come down.

"This is ludicrous, as the gardens that are fenced provide a far clearer path than those with overhanging trees, which often completely block the path.

"We had to clean up all that mess and putting up the fence stopped the problem once and for all. Now seven years later it wants it moved when it is not obstructing anyone. This is bureaucracy gone mad."

A spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council said it asked for the fence to be taken down after someone recently reported the matter.

The spokesman added: "We have a responsibility to keep public highways free of obstructions or encroachments. Unfortunately, as this fence has been placed on highways land, we have contacted the three residents living there to request that the fence is removed.

"A highways officer has met with two residents to discuss the issue and has also offered to meet with Mr Davidson. We have also given Mr Davidson the details of the manager of the department so he can arrange to meet with him instead if preferred."