TWO neighbours who embarked on a four-year dispute over land between their homes are at the centre of a new probe -- over a garden fence.

Andrew Moore and Merryck Johnson have been arguing over the boundary line between their properties in Kenilworth Drive, Clitheroe, since 1999.

The dispute grew as the neighbours battled over where Mr Johnson would build a wall to his proposed new garage.

The neighbours went through the civil courts in May when Blackburn County Court ordered Mr Johnson to pay a £3,500 settlement.

Now Mr Johnson, 50, has been arrested by police investigating harassment allegations after a fence was put up between the properties. But today he insisted he had done nothing wrong.

Clitheroe Police said they had sought advice from the Criminal Prosecution Service as to how best to proceed. A decision is expected on Friday. Inspector Bob Ford said: "Johnson was arrested on Friday under the protection against harassment act."

Mr Moore, 67, a retired civil servant, installed CCTV at his house as part of the land dispute before May's settlement.

He said: "I offered my neighbour an olive branch in saying he could use fence panels that were in my garage. It is wonderful to have the fence in place.

"But there have been further cases of threatening behaviour and damage to my property."

But Mr Johnson insists he has done nothing wrong and the saga was making him ill and ruining his career.

"This is an absolute living nightmare," he said. "The sale of our house has collapsed. I erected the fence and while the work was going on I never said a word.

"Before I knew it, I was arrested and spending two hours alone in a prison cell. This is out of control and I daren't go out of my house.

"I dread going home and what I will be accused of next. I am helpless and petrified."