A CENTURIES old view of the River Test from an old bridge has been fully restored.

Remnants of illegal fencing along the Salmon Leap bridge have been taken down to avert a prosecution by enforcement officers. It has taken two years but locals can once again gaze on one of the most beautiful salmon runs in England The fences were put up without planning permission by Testwood Salmon Fisheries (TSF). It was a response to the habit of gangs of youths gathering and hurling missiles at the home of long suffering river keeper Graham Purbrick.

New Forest District Council (NFDC) threatened a prosecution, and solicitors representing the Barker-Mill Family Trust, which owns the cottage occupied by Mr Purbrick, told him he was in breach of the terms of the lease and ordered the fences down.

Not all the fencing was taken down to meet a deadline of May 30 leaving residents annoyed.

After our story was attached to a letter from New Forest East MP Julian Lewis to the solicitors the fencing has now gone.

Totton councillor Frank Bright, who vowed to raise "merry hell" if the remaining metal and wooden supports, and some panelling, weren't fully removed said he was pleased the views could be enjoyed again.

"We thank all of those that had a hand in finally resolving this ongoing battle to achieve this satisfactory conclusion. It is important that amenities, such as this, are retained in Totton for the future, as over the years much of our previously enjoyed green fields and open spaces have been lost."

A spokesman for New Forest District Council confirmed it had called off a prosecution. He said "The structure has been taken down to our satisfaction."

TSF is still pursuing an appeal against the refusal of planning permission to replace one of the panels with clear Perspex and retain the other as wood in a bid to overcome complaints.

Mr Bright added: "We are all now working hard in support of NFDC refusals of the new application.

"Many letters of representation against these new proposals have been made to the planning inspectorate by residents and councillors.

Neither Mr Purbrick or TSF were available for comment.