A TOTTON councillor has vowed to raise "merry hell" if the remnants of illegal fencing along a bridge are not fully removed by next week.

The majority of wooden panels obstructing centuries old views of the River Test at Salmon Leap bridge were taken down to meet a Tuesday night deadline set by council enforcement officers.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, residents, councillors and walkers expressed delight at the news, which appeared to end a two-year planning battle.

However, they are now concerned that metal and wooden supports, and some panelling, remains.

New Forest Direct Council has said it would talk to Testwood Salmon Fisheries (TSF) to get them to pull them down quickly to avoid the need for a prosecution.

The fences were put up without planning permission to prevent gangs of youths gathering and hurling missiles at the home of river keeper Graham Purbrick, who is employed by TSF.

After the council finally threatened a prosecution, solicitors representing the Barker-Mill Family Trust, which owns the cottage occupied Mr Purbrick, told him he was in breach of the terms of the lease and ordered the fences down.

Totton Councillor Frank Bright said: "The enforcement by New Forest District Council is not what it should be. We just hope they stick to their notice: That is removing all the fence.'' Mr Bright said he would raise the matter at a town council planning meeting next Wednesday.

"If the fencing is not completely down I shall raise merry hell," he said.

After carrying out an inspection yesterday New Forest District Council said it was satisfied enough fencing had been taken down to stay a prosecution while Mr Purbrick removed the rest.

A spokesman said: "Enforcement officers will have another chat with Mr Purbrick to persuade him to take the rest down. If he refuses they will have to consider going ahead with the prosecution.

Mr Purbrick said TSF was following "due process" and had an outstanding appeal pending.