'Great wall' court case dropped

The wall was built too long, Wyre Borough Council said

A couple who built a 14.4ft (4.4m) high structure dubbed "the Great Wall of Fleetwood" have agreed to modify it after a prosecution was dropped.

Charles and Lorraine Hart, of Princes Way in the Lancashire town, erected the wall after the family next door built a sun terrace overlooking them.

Wyre Borough Council was taking them to court after a 13ft (4m) stretch was erected without consent.

The case has now been withdrawn after the couple had the section demolished.

Permission had been granted for a wall 4.4m (14.4ft) high and the same in length, but the actual wall was built 8.4m (27.5ft) long.

The Harts also signed a compliance order on Thursday agreeing to paint over the remaining grey brick area on their neighbours' side.

The Harts have confirmed that they are committed to have the work completed within the required timescale David Thow, Wyre Borough Council

The long-running row began when neighbour Dennis Hawes and his wife Sandra built a sundeck on the roof of their kitchen.

The wall subsequently built by the Harts sparked huge interest in the local community, becoming known locally as the "Great Wall of Fleetwood".

Mr Hawes, 58, said: "This has been going on for a long time. I was determined that it would be coming down and I knew it would be.

"There's nothing like that in this area. Show me another house with some monstrosity like that alongside it, there isn't one."

Prosecution threat

Mr Hawes, a retired radio officer with the oil industry, said the wall had attracted a great deal of attention, with taxi drivers dropping off visitors to take pictures.

David Thow, of Wyre Borough Council, confirmed the Harts had accepted a formal caution and now only had to paint the offending section of wall.

He said: "This requires painting in a colour to be agreed with the council, and the formal caution requires the Harts to do this within 28 days.

"Failure to comply with this requirement could result in a further prosecution.

"The Harts have confirmed that they are committed to have the work completed within the required timescale.

"In the meantime, the council will continue to liaise with both Mr Hawes and the Harts to ensure that the matter is concluded satisfactorily."