TWO illegal fences that are blocking spectacular views of the River Test could remain in place for another three months.

River keeper Graham Purbrick has been given until mid-June to remove the fences or face prosecution.

The controversial panels line both sides of a bridge over the river at a local beauty spot called Salmon Leap. Mr Purbrick built them last year to protect his home from teenage yobs who gathered on the bridge and indulged in antisocial behaviour.

However, his actions angered walkers, who accused him of obliterating views that had been enjoyed for centuries.

New Forest District Council issued an enforcement notice requiring the fences to be taken down, but was prevented from taking any further action after Mr Purbrick lodged an appeal.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, government planning inspector Dennis Bradley has rejected the appeal - which means the notice can finally take effect.

A council spokesman said: "Mr Purbrick now has three months to remove the panels. If he fails to comply we will seek to prosecute him at the local magistrates' court or take direct action and remove them ourselves."

Residents gathered on the bridge yesterday to celebrate the inspector's decision to dismiss the appeal.

Campaigner Alec Shepherd, of Hamtun Gardens, Totton, said: "I'm highly delighted. Once again people will be able to look up and down the river."

Mr Shepherd praised Totton planning officer Roger Hill and county councillor Frank Bright, two of the leading lights in the nine-month campaign to get the fences removed.

As reported in the Echo, Mr Purbrick says the barriers will not be removed before the inspector's decision has been "clarified".

In his report Mr Bradley said he considered retaining the panels on the northern side of the bridge because they contributed to the privacy and security of the river keeper's cottage. Mr Purbrick claims the same grounds exist for the retention of the other fence as well.