A FORMER secret agent has launched a cold war against her local council after a fence was put up, blocking her daily walk.

Sigrid Green, 82, of Richmond Terrace, Darwen, served undercover in occupied Norway during the Second World War.

Now retired and in failing health, she relies on access to a strip of land behind her home to walk her pet dog, Barney, to the newsagents every day. It's a walk she has completed for 20 years.

But last week fences were put up at either end of the strip, which residents use to access Olive Lane, by workers from Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Council bosses say the route has been temporarily sealed to prevent children climbing on a wall next to the strip.

Now Sigrid, known to her neighbours as Gusta, is meeting with lawyers to pursue a case for the residents' right of way over the land.

She said: "I can remember when the land was all common and everybody walked up there, but then houses were built and there was just a strip of grass up the back, which we have all used since then. Some people round here can remember walking that way for 50 years. I have used it at least once a day for more than 20 years now and I certainly can't walk round any other way, because my health is not as good as it used to be.

"It seems nonsensical. I've been told it's there to keep kids out, but I'm 82 and I'm sure I could pull it down if I had half a mind to, so kids are going to have no problem.

"I served this country in the war, and I don't think people at the council realise they wouldn't be around to do these foolish things if it weren't for people like me.

"I've seen my solicitor, who is writing to the chief executive, and I have spoken to a number of people round here. The situation is ridiculous."

Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration director Adam Scott said: "The land in question has been fenced off temporarily on health and safety grounds and following complaints about youths gathering in the area. This will continue whilst the council reviews all options."