A BLACKLEY woman, fed up with her eyesore fence, is pleading for the council to replace it.

Eileen Lawler, of Chain Road, asked the housing department to erect a fence at the side of her house two months ago. However, she was appalled to find they had installed an uneven, flimsy wooden fence with a gap of nearly a foot between the bottom edge and the ground beneath.

The fence has now caused friction between Eileen and her neighbour Eleanor, as each thought the other was responsible for the monstrosity. Relations are now strained between the former friends, and they no longer speak to one another.

Eileen has contacted her local councillor Ken Barnes, but has been unable to order a replacement as yet. She said: "The Housing department have been out to look at it, but refuse to change it, because it's a private house. No matter how many times I contact them, nothing seems to get done. I am sick to death of being ignored. This excuse for a fence just makes my house look a mess. It's an eyesore. There used to be a wall and a path between my garden and Eleanor's, but the path is now crumbling away."

Councillor Barnes said: "I am concerned about the delay in resolving Mrs Lawler's problem. I have asked for a quote from operational services, and work will be carried out when that quote is received. I now intend to keep a close eye on the situation."