A NEW spike-topped fence blocking a path in Westerham has caused anger among walkers who have used the route for more than 30 years.

The trail, which runs west from Farley Lane on to land leased by company Monier and used for quarrying sand, skirts around the edges of lakes formed by former quarries.

It is not designated a footpath by Kent County Council.

Users of the trails to the west of Westerham say a new path replacing it is difficult to use because of prickly blackthorn bushes – and air and noise pollution as it runs along the edge of the M25.

Carole Dennis, 64, of South Bank, said the fencing was "bizarre" as it was possible to walk around the panels.

"It's a real shame because I walked here every week and without warning we have been cut off," she said.

"Now I won't go near it in case I am accused of trespassing.

"But I certainly don't like to use the other path along the M25 – it's so noisy and polluted."

James Hole, of estate agents Strutt and Parker, speaking on behalf of the land's owner Henry Warde, said his client had not been aware of any new fencing as all repairs and maintenance fell to the tenants.

Gordon Williams, 74, of High Street, Westerham, said he could remember the path being properly marked with stiles until the tenant, then named Redlands, had it temporarily moved.

He said: "They did that when they started extracting sand 25 to 30 years ago, but people continued to use the old path because it was not blocked off until now.

"It must be about 30 years now since I started walking this way."

"They tried to divert people around the site and took the three sets of stiles away when they began extracting sand, but they gave no notice at all.

"They said once extraction had finished, the path would be reopened but it doesn't look like it. It's like Stalag 17 out here."

Debra Carroll of Farley Croft, Westerham, questioned the need for the new spike-topped fence, and asked: "If this is all about public safety, why couldn't they put smaller fences around the lakes?

"That would surely make much safer footpaths."

Monier were approached for a comment but had not supplied one by the time the Chronicle went to press.