TRADITIONAL stiles used for generations of walkers to traverse the countryside have been deemed to be to be causing an “unlawful obstruction”.


But council officers have now come under fire after they removed three from a field - leaving gaps in the hedge for horses to escape.


Livery yard owner Ian Locke said Essex County Council had contacted him telling him to remove the old-fashioned stiles.


The council claims the stiles were unsafe and should be replaced with kissing gates - in line with the Equality Act.


But Mr Locke, whose fields back on to the Essex Way in Ramsey, said the stiles had been in place for decades - and had nothing to do with him.


He said he was in discussions with the council over how to deal with the situation.


But then found out a council officer removing the stiles - allowing horses to get out into acres of neighbouring land.