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Dad-of-two Gary Flowers has gone to extreme lengths after taking offence – over a fence.

Retired plumber Gary, 68, has posted signs and banners in his front garden accusing Kirklees planners of failing to take action over an 8ft fence next door.

He has a row of soft toy monkeys sat on a sign board, slogans plastered on his windows and model Laurel and Hardy characters with speech bubbles peering out of his bedroom window.

He’s had rows of dolls – depicting the children he says are at risk – and flashing lights, all of which are seen by thousands of passing motorists every day.

Gary, of Wakefield Road, Earlsheaton, Dewsbury, says planning policy dictates that a fence next to a highway must have planning permission if it is over one metre (3ft 3in) in height.

The fence which encloses his neighbour’s driveway is between two metres and 2.5 metres (8ft 2in), he says.

Gary claims the fence blocks the view of drivers emerging from the house onto the busy main road, causing a road safety hazard.

He says the council sent an enforcement officer to investigate and, as a result, his neighbour submitted a retrospective planning application last September.

Public consultation ended on November 13 but now, eight months later, the council has still not made a decision.

Gary, who has four grandchildren, said: “Planners should get off the fence and decide the application. What are they waiting for?”

The fence was put up in June 2013 and Gary made a complaint on behalf of a neighbour who fell foul of the council after putting up a fence that was also deemed too tall.

Neighbour dispute over tall fence at on Wakefield Road in Earlsheaton

Gary said: “This is about fairness and the council doing its duty. If this fence is allowed to remain it will set a precedent.”

Gary hired a planning consultant who compiled a report saying visibility was “severely restricted to the detriment of highway safety” and the application should be refused.

As well as that Gary has posted videos on YouTube and hand-delivered 7,000 letters to homes and businesses across Kirklees.

Gary reckons he’s spent up to £1,500 on his campaign but believes it’s worth it to make the public aware.

“I have nothing against my neighbour and this is not about him,” he said. “It’s the principle and people need to know what is going on.”

A council spokesman said: “The planning application is currently being assessed by officers following the end of the public comment and consultation period.

“A decision will be issued on the application in due course.”