PLANNERS are threatening to take legal action over two unauthorised fences that are blocking stunning views of a Hampshire beauty spot.

Council chiefs have been inundated with complaints about fencing that has been built along both sides of a bridge over the River Test.

The controversial work has been carried out at Salmon Leap, near Totton, which is part of the Test Way.

River keeper Graham Purbrick, who lives in a neighbouring cottage, hopes the barriers will prevent gangs of drunken youths from damaging his home and hurling objects at anglers.

The work has angered walkers, who say it has obliterated views of the river that people have enjoyed for centuries.

Now New Forest East MP Julian Lewis has written to New Forest Council after his staff inspected and photographed the new fences.

His letter says: "One of the prettiest spots in the town has been spoiled. It would be helpful to know whether the work is permissible and, if not, what can be done to regularise matters."

A district council spokesman said the authority wanted to see the fences come down. He added: "If they're not taken down, and we don't receive a retrospective planning application, we will investigate the expediency of taking enforcement action against the landowner and any other interested parties."

Totton and Eling Town Council has also received complaints about the fencing.

Frank Bright, chairman of the council's Planning and Transport Advisory Committee, said: "A lot of people use the Salmon Leap area and have had an amenity taken away from them."

Mr Purbrick defended the decision to install the fencing.

He said: "The reason it's so substantial is that we want it to stay there. Wire mesh has been used in the past, but people chopped it to pieces. Hopefully the installation of fencing on both sides of the bridge will make it less attractive to youngsters looking for somewhere to drink alcohol."