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Woman 'angered' by new concrete blocks after winning council dispute

Helene Ball, 81, has expressed anger after Derbyshire County Council placed additional concrete blocks near her garden gate, despite her winning a three-year legal battle against the authority.

  • Helene Ball won a three-year legal dispute against Derbyshire County Council, securing a right of way and £50,000 in costs.
  • Two additional concrete blocks were placed on the grass verge outside her gate after the verdict, which Ms Ball described as making her feel "very annoyed".
  • The BBC understands these blocks were placed to protect the grassed area and trees from unauthorised parking once a car park entrance is opened.

An 81-year-old woman has described Derbyshire County Council as "a law unto themselves" after it placed additional concrete blocks near an entrance to her property following a legal victory.

Helene Ball, who lives on George Road in Matlock, won a three-year legal battle against the council, establishing a right of way to her garden and being awarded £50,000 in costs. The dispute arose after the council fenced off a gap in her garden wall.

However, Ms Ball stated that two further "concrete Lego bricks" were placed on the grass verge outside her gate after the verdict. She said the placement of these blocks, intended to provide a direct pathway from her gate to the road, made her feel "very annoyed".

The BBC understands the two additional blocks have been placed to protect the grassed area and trees from unauthorised parking and damage once the car park entrance is opened. Other blocks on the roadside were reportedly part of the council's preparations to comply with the judgment, which is expected to involve opening the car park entrance for Ms Ball's access.

Derbyshire County Council acknowledged it was "unreasonable" to erect the original fence and apologised for any distress caused. A spokesperson stated the council has a duty to safeguard its legal interests in public assets and its actions are guided by statutory duties.

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