A COUPLE who could be forced to take down a boundary fence at the front of their home say they are being unfairly treated for trying to protect their children.

Ian and Melanie Reay took advice from Hertfordshire Constabulary and their housing association before putting up a panel fence at their Francis Avenue home.

Father-of-four Mr Reay said they also consulted their neighbours in case they would object to the height and so went ahead building the fence.

However the couple received an enforcement notice from St Albans District Council informing them they need to take down the 1.8 metre fence – stating it is a breach of planning control.

The garden is at the front and side of the home which also borders Nicolas Avenue, leaving them without a back garden.

Mr and Mrs Reay say they were shocked at the council's decision especially as it was within legal requirements for the police and passed by the housing association.

Mr Reay, 43, told the Review: “We have had a number of cars crash into our wall and we thought putting the fence up was the only way to protect our children from harm.

“During peak hours this road is used as a rat run to Harpenden Road. The other issue we have is this is our front and back garden and we just wanted some privacy.”

The district council has branded the fence as intrusive in the street scene and harmful to the character of the area.

But the couple cannot understand why the council is forcing them to take their fence down with other homeowners in the street having garden boundaries as high as two metres.

The Reays' front and side land is their only garden, leaving them in full view of passers-by if they are sitting outside.

Mrs Reay, 39, added: “One of our sons has learning difficulties and if a ball went into the road he would run after it.

“Also our youngest who is four-years-old has been close to climbing over the fence into the street. Reducing all the panels by one metre just isn't safe. I'm scared of what could happen.”

An appeal against the council's notice was lodged by the couple to the Secretary of State. Neighbours have until July 13 to comment on the appeal but Mr Reay said neighbours in all the homes around him have already said they cannot understand why the council has taken the action.