Neighbours mercilessly troll ‘rude’ homeowner who tried to block their access to a walkway

 Neighbours have mercilessly trolled a ‘rude’ homeowner who apparently tried to block their access to a walkway with a series of tongue-in-cheek signs.

Locals in South Holmwood, near Dorking, Surrey, were left stunned when a large ‘no access’ sign appeared on the lane back in April, despite reportedly using it for more than 80 years.

However, since then, the ‘Phantom Poster Printer (PPP)’ has taken it upon themselves to paste over the ‘rude’ notice with their own witty signs.

The original no access signs were erected by Jane Benson, who purchased the Anstie Barn Farm west wing around two years ago. 

It is believed she objects to dog walkers using the driveway up to her house. 

Keith Carter, who lives at the bottom of the road said: ‘People in the village didn’t take kindly to being told they weren’t allowed to go on this road anymore. With the Covid close down more people were walking here, so she took umbrage with it.’

His house is the first affected by any ramblers on the lane, and he says ‘we certainly have no objection’. 

The local committee has applied to make a section of the lane public.

Mr Carter said: ‘To be fair, she has made some concessions for individuals, including a local elderly couple.’ 

Mrs Benson could not be reached for comment.

Local Kathryn Tupper, 54, documented the hilarious exchange on Facebook, sharing photos of the signs this week.

She says it all began after the homeowner replaced the original ‘subtle’ sign, with a bright green notice which reads: ‘Private land. No public access or right of way.’

In response, the PPP pasted their own imitation sign in similar colours which read: ‘Peasants keep out, self appointed snobs only.’

It was swiftly removed, however over the next few months the PPP struck again, leaving signs which said: ‘Private Parts, no pubic access’ and ‘Street party every Friday. Everyone welcome’ among others.

One photo shows how the police even appear to have been drawn into the matter, with a notice apparently from Surrey Police in place appealing for information on the PPP’s identity.

The saga finally drew to a close on Tuesday, when a new sign more like the original was put back in place.

However, according to Kathryn, locals have now mounted a campaign with the council to have it made into an official right of way.

Speaking today, she said: ‘The route walked doesn’t go near their house and you cannot even see it. The old owners never used to mind people using it.

‘The old sign was nice polite black. Villagers found it a little rude with the timing. We continued to use it, but they started telling people to get off her land.

‘They called the police saying the signs were harassment, but they thought they were hilarious.

‘Police did try to stop us going up the lane to ease tension, but we informed them of a few Acts which gave us rights to continue using.

‘It was then found that even though they owned the lane, they don’t own the pillars so the sign was removed this week.

‘All the other households up there loved the PPP signs and want the road to be used by all.

‘Every day, more people used the lane just to see what new sign had gone up. It kept us amused for weeks in lockdown.’

Social media users have also been tickled by the feud, with Justin Boyne writing: ‘Brilliant, worth the effort.’

Clare Wiliams added: ‘So funny’ and Lotti Newman said: ‘Love these.’

However, others were more sympathetic to the homeowner.

Melanie Hardy wrote: ‘Honestly some people think everywhere belongs to them. How would they feel if random strangers kept walking through their garden?’

A spokesman for Surrey Police said yesterday: ‘We are currently investigating allegations of a number of offences, including public order and criminal damage relating to an ongoing civil dispute between two separate parties.

‘The offences are alleged to have taken place in South Holmwood.

‘A number of enquiries have been carried out and the investigation remains ongoing.’