FOR years it has been a haven of peace and tranquillity in an ever-changing world.

People eager to escape the pressures of modern life have made their way to Salmon Leap, Totton, to admire the famous River Test.

Many have lingered on a bridge over the quiet waterway and studied the picture-postcard scene.

Now their views of the river winding through the countryside have been blocked by wooden fence panels built along both sides of the bridge.

Testwood Salmon Fisheries has installed the fencing to protect river keeper Graham Purbrick, who lives in a neighbouring cottage.

Mr Purbrick hopes the barriers will shield his home from gangs of drunken youths who have gathered on the bridge at night and waged a campaign of antisocial behaviour.

They are said to have shouted abuse at his family, threatened them with physical violence and vandalised their property.

But the fencing has angered walkers, who claim it has ruined the most picturesque part of the town.

Objectors include Lynn Matthews, of Totton, who said: "I was horrified to discover that the best spot to stop and admire the river has now become one of the worst eyesores ever."

Brian Rawlins, 68, of Ringwood Road, Totton, said: "The bridge provided people with beautiful views, but the whole thing has been blanked off."

The move has also upset members of the opposition Liberal Democrat group on New Forest District Council.

A Lib Dem spokesman said: "The bridge has been a popular place to stop and watch fishermen exercise their skills in a magnificent setting.

"The scene has inspired photographers and artists for generations.

"Now views from both sides of the bridge have been obstructed by wooden fencing, which seems destined to become a target for graffiti artists."

Tory councillor Di Brooks described the fencing as "sacrilege" at a meeting of Totton and Eling Town Council's amenities committee.

She said: "It used to be a wonderful place but you can't see anything from the bridge now. I think we should make a huge protest."

Fellow councillor David Harrison said: "The view was probably the most scenic view in Totton.

"When I went down there my reaction to the fences was one of shock and horror, but the river keeper has endured years of antisocial behaviour from gangs of youths standing on the bridge.

"I can understand why he has been driven to take extreme measures."

Complaints have been received by New Forest District Council, which has launched an investigation to establish if the work requires planning permission.

Alan Kilkenny, chairman of Testwood Salmon Fisheries, defended the fencing.

He said: "Over the past two or three years youths congregating on the bridge have threatened Graham with physical violence and vandalised his home.

"We had to do something to protect Graham and his family, including their 17-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son."

A Totton police spokesman confirmed that Mr Purbrick had reported a number of incidents.