THE fences have gone up at a Huddersfield beauty spot.

And it means many local people  have been denied access by developers at Clayton Fields –  despite an ongoing legal dispute.

The fields, which have been used  by residents for generations, were  barricaded out of public use yesterday with 6ft-high metal fences emblazoned with Keep Out signs erected by developers Paddico 267  Ltd.

The move has caused anger and  dismay.

Many families use the land as a  play area and for sledging in  winter..

And a local nursery was planning  to have a cricket day there on  Monday but has now been forced to  switch it to Lindley recreation  ground.

The latest move over the land  between Birkby and Edgerton has  caused an outcry in the local community after a decade-long planning  dispute.

But despite the major blow,  Clayton Fields Action Group say  “the cheap move” by developers has  further cemented their determination to continue the fight.

As reported, Paddico 267 Ltd won  a High Court battle in June which  removed village green status which  had safeguarded the site against  development.

Clayton Fields Action Group  secretary, Mike Hardy said: “It is the  developers’ land but there is an  appeal pending.

“Furthermore if we do win the  appeal, it will cost more to remove all the fences and any work they has  been done cannot be reversed, therefore devaluing the site and adding weight to subsequent planning to  build houses.

“He thought we were a pushover  and it is just a cheap trick. He had no idea the depth of feeling about  Clayton Fields.

“We believe this is getting  overheated and they are desperate to  start work.

“We are currently consulting with our legal team to work with  Paddico’s legal team to get the  appeal heard as soon as possible.”

Developers moved in onsite at the  start of the week and claim they are legally entitled to begin building for  55 houses – despite planning permission being granted back in 1967.

Kirklees Council said ‘in all likelihood’ the 1967 planning application  is valid.

The action group has been historically backed by MP Barry Sheerman and Clr Mehboob Khan.

Paddico chairman John Lund told The Examiner earlier this week he was planning to start work within six weeks despite local opposition.

And he vowed to take action against people who trespassed on the land.