Some Telscombe residents oppose allowing cattle to graze on the Tye

The grid was installed by Telscombe Town Council in East Sussex to allow cattle to graze on the Tye field.

But Carol and Fred Marzillius said the bars of the grid were too far apart for them to use their motorbike safely.

Telscombe Mayor Marina Pepper said the council could have done more to tell the public about its plans.

Criminal damage

"If we had done that we would not now be acting in retrospect and having to backtrack and change things," she said.

The couple, who have to cross the grid to get to their home, said they filled part of it in because they felt their safety was not being taken into account.

They were then visited by police officers who said they could face a charge of criminal damage if they did not remove the concrete.

Scores of Telscombe residents who are opposed to the grid demonstrated their support of Mr and Mrs Marzillius at the weekend.

"We feel that the council has run roughshod over people," said one.

"Cattle and people don't mix," said another.