RESIDENTS of a Portchester street are locked in a dispute with a development company over the protection of what they claim are their ancient rights of way.

Neighbours in Cranleigh Road, believe that for as long as they can remember they have had a right of way access across unoccupied green land leading to Quintrell Avenue.

But Gudgeon Developments, which owns the land, has erected an 6ft wire fence and an electric fence to deny access to the land. The company, which has an office in Fareham, denies the existence of the right of way.

Surveyors have been seen in the area and worried residents believe the land is being groomed for future housing development.

Backed by local councillor Steve Clark and the Portchester Society, which represents the views of people in Portchester, residents say they are prepared to fight for access.

More than 40 residents gathered at what they claim was the Cranleigh Road entrance to the right of way to show their protest.

Retired Diane Libby, 68 of Cranleigh Road, has lived there for 46 years and says she was always able to walk across to Fareham.

"I feel quite sad," she said.

"The fence they put up is impeding our ancient rights. We've been encroached on."

Dawn Green, 44, from Portchester, used to play on the land as a child.

She said: "We were always there. I've lived here all my life and they can't just block it off."

Maps dating from 1946 and 1973 seem to indicate some form of path or track across the land, but it is not shown on current maps.

The land is now overgrown with two horses kept on it.

A spokesman for Gudgeon Developments said: "We've owned the land for 20 years. There is no footpath. We intend to keep horses on there."

But Glyn Wadey, 71, of Shearwater Avenue, said: "If a right of way has been continually used for a number of years then no one can remove it. We will present letters to Hampshire County Council asking them to look into it."

Hampshire County Council, which controls rights of way, said there was no indication of the path on a definitive map they hold.

A spokesman added: "If there is evidence that it has been used as a right of way for 20 years then the residents need to present the information to the rights of way team here.

"But it could be a lengthy process."