RESIDENTS in Upper Settle have criticised access and protection works on the area's historic Green.

Settle Town Council, which is responsible for The Green, has recently installed limestone boulders to stop people leaving their cars on the grass.

But the work has caused uproar among residents.

Coun David Heather, who lives on The Green, told the council he had been inundated with grievances about the work.

"I have had nothing but complaints about it, except from two people," he said. "Everyone else feels the stones are inappropriate. Seven people said they would write in and many more have said it is totally out of place.

"It is the size of the stones and their brilliant whiteness that is upsetting most people," added Coun Heather.

"Those who live on The Green are having to take their cars away because they can't get in. They can't go to the car park because cars have been vandalised and they can't afford to pay the fees.

"There is a general feeling of resentment on The Green against these boulders and people are asking if a more appropriate deterrent would be a low chain fence which would not be such an eyesore."

Residents felt the boulders made The Green look ugly and said they were never consulted about the work before it was carried out, added Coun Heather.

The stones are intended to protect the area by stopping erosion caused by parking, and also to keep access clear across The Green for emergency services and those who have a right of access.They are a solution to a problem which has taxed Settle Town Council for years, said Coun Tom Foster.

"We had no other option but to take action and I think the job has been well done. The boulders are the size they are so people can see them and not damage their motors. As for the whiteness, limestone weathers.

"People have used The Green as a free car park and have churned it up," he added. "I can understand the strength of feeling but at some time there's the responsibility we are empowered with to protect The Green and it hasn't been happening. It has been eroded away."

Coun Edith Secretan added: "Anyone who says they didn't know things were happening, I don't know where they were. Things about The Green have been discussed time and time again so everybody should know."

Coun Heather said he was not aware of anyone ever coming round The Green to ask for residents' views on the scheme.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.