IT MAY just be a mound of earth but for Shedfield residents it is causing a mountain of problems.

The idea is simple - protecting part of the village common from travellers by putting mounds of earth along the perimeter.

In practice the siting has proved so problematic that it has been source of debate stretching back more than ten years, the subject for a public inquiry and this week led to a specially-convened meeting of Shedfield Parish Council.

Angry residents faced councillors over the plans that they say pose a huge safety risk for users of the track.

They also claim the "anti-traveller" scheme is nonsense, as travelling groups do not use the land as it slopes.

Currently, the contentious bank of earth is due to be placed in the middle of a turning circle half way along the narrow track leading from Pricketts Hill to Turkey Island.

Residents claim that if motorists cannot use the circle they will be forced to reverse up the track and on to Pricketts Hill, which has national speed limit signs at the junction.

Resident Steve Judge said: "This is a well-used bridleway and footpath although I am sure locals will know the situation. It is an accident waiting to happen."

His views were echoed by fellow Turkey Island resident Brian Freemantle, who said: "Cars do come along that road at some speed. Not everyone will know the road and be expecting a car to be manoeuvring in the middle of it."

More than 20 residents packed Waltham Chase Village Hall for the meeting in the hope the council would bow to pressure to reconsider.

However, the council insists that large vehicles will still be able to turn round at the end of the lane and not need to reverse out, a view supported by some residents, including Mike Hibard, who said: "I take the concerns on board but I know that it is possible for lorries to turn in that road as the dustcart manages it every week."

In a statement to the Daily Echo a spokesman said: "The parish council is seeking to protect the common from encroachment from travellers and illegal parking by others.

"With regard to the narrow lane off Pricketts Hill to Turkey Island that may on occasions be accessed by vehicles. It is true that the bunds will not allow a full turning circle.

"They will, however, allow a place for turning a vehicle around by doing a three-point turn."

Eventually a compromise was reached after it was agreed the bund be shaved so that it tapered down for the last three feet, but residents remained unimpressed.