Real Estate
In a twist that seems straight out of a political satire, an English town’s battle over a controversial barrier has drawn comparisons to international politics.
Residents of Okehampton, Devon, in the UK have found themselves embroiled in a dispute over a concrete barrier that has been dubbed “Berlin Wall Mk 2”.
Google Maps had shown a right of way across land that developers have said is private.
However, after one resident took matters into his own hands and erected the wall, locals said the wall blocked a thoroughfare that was used by families to get to nearby St James Church of England Primary School.
Its imposing presence led to graffiti labelling it as a modern-day Berlin Wall, a stark reminder of the barriers that once divided a city and a nation.
“I thought Trump was only building walls in America!” one local wrote online.
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The concrete wall was dubbed “Berlin Wall Mk 2”.
Locals were quick to make their thoughts on the structure clear.
Other residents said it changed the feel of the area, with some joking that “watchtowers” would be added next.
Tensions between locals and the council recently escalated after a mystery resident rented a JCB digger and smashed a hole in the wall.
The act of defiance was met with relief from the community, with the gap wide enough for pushchairs and mobility scooters to pass through.
According to The Sun, the dispute has now come to a new boiling point.
Earlier this month, there were reports that the owners had allegedly dismantled the wall and scattered the bricks across the path to block access.
While the wall has been demolished, a new structure has taken its place to stop locals from passing into the estate.
The council has now issued an Enforcement Notice ordering the removal of the unauthorised structure.
A tall fence was also installed around the dismantled wall to block access once again.
Councillor George Dexter, of West Devon Borough Council, North Ward, told DevonLive: “This was done (on June 11) without warning after the children from the estate had gone to school, so they have to make a long detour to go home.”
West Devon Borough Council has now issued an Enforcement Notice ordering the removal of the unauthorised structure.
English (US) · 