A HOMEOWNER says a steel fence put up by a water company has made her garden “look like a prison”.

Samantha O’Reilly, of Church Road, Layer de le Haye, claims Essex and Suffolk Water failed to consult her and her husband about the three metre fence. They say the fence is also much closer to their rear garden than was originally planned.

Essex and Suffolk Water is building a fence around water treatment works at Layer de le Haye as part of a government directive to further improve security for the water industry.

Work began in July but Samantha and her husband Ragnar have been left angered by the impact the fence has had on their home.

She said: “We went away for a few weeks earlier this summer but when we returned there was this huge steel fence waiting.

“We’ve had no letters, no one has knocked on our door or told us anything.

“Our garden used to look beautiful but now it looks more like a prison.

“It’s like Donald Trump has come to town and we aren’t sure who this wall is keeping in or out.”

The couple, who live with their two teenage children, are now seeking legal advice on a number of issues in a bid to resolve their ongoing dispute with Essex and Suffolk Water.

Mrs O’Reilly said: “We are not arguing they shouldn’t have the fence. “We understand security measures have to be followed but what we want is the fence to take the original route it wasn’t supposed to.”

In response to the O’Reilly’s claims, Essex and Suffolk Water insists it took all necessary measures to consult with residents prior to the construction of the fence.

A spokesmen for the company said: “Before the start of the work, it was a priority for us to speak to our neighbouring residents and the local community about the work.

“We hand-delivered letters to all local residents living near the water treatment works some months prior to starting the installation of the security fence.

“We also have held meetings with the parish council, advised local community groups and other interested stakeholders, prior to the start of works in June 2017.

“We will be planting extra hedging to provide screening for our neighbours and this was agreed with the parish council earlier in the year.”

Work on the fence is due to be completed by October later this year.