IT PRIDES itself as being the Responsible Retailer but the Co-op has been accused of bully-boy tactics after barricading up the back door of a neighbour's home.

The store erected a 20ft-high corrugated iron barrier inches from the back door of Nobby Clark, 59, as a long-running right of way argument took an unexpected twist.

It means Mr Clark cannot use the back door to his £250,000 home at Cowes on the Isle of Wight and local fire chiefs are investigating whether the Co-op's actions are causing a fire hazard.

The store took action after failing to reach an agreement with Mr Clark over his right to cross a metre-long strip of land outside his home. Co-op says it owns the strip but Mr Clark said he has always had access to the side of the house.

Retired quality technician Mr Clark said: "To resort to this is just petty beyond belief. I feel like David versus Goliath."

Mr Clark gained planning permission for his door and created it in 1999 some six years after the Co-op moved to the area.

He said: "I am disabled. I have severe vascular problems and arthritis. I may need a wheelchair access there at some stage."

Yesterday the store said Mr Clark had acted improperly and said the fence would remain.

The company said: "Mr Clark has created a new doorway and opening on to our property. Therefore he is wrongfully attempting to gain advantage of passage over our land.

"We have offered to legitimise the situation for £100 per annum.

"Unfortunately Mr Clark did not appear to want to progress in a proper and legal manner and, whilst he has recently offered to purchase outright, Southern Co-operatives does not wish to grant permanent rights over our land and prefer a licence arrangement.

"Mr Clark went ahead and undertook work without licence and so, with regret, we have taken steps to fence the boundary until a better solution can be agreed.''