Rogue golfers caused an outcry when one of their balls crashed through the glass roof of a back garden conservatory.

Homeowner Sheila Gosling, of Lister Road, Braintree, was furious after a practice shot flew off course, smashing a 6ft window and sending glass splinters crashing down. Luckily no one was hurt.

But Mrs Gosling - whose home backs on to Notley High School playing fields used by practising golfers - said someone could have been badly injured and accused the culprit of being a "totally irresponsible".

She said: "I was in the kitchen when I heard a terrific noise. I looked up and there was a gaping hole and glass just kept showering down."

The golf ball ricocheted into her neighbour's garden.

A stunned Mrs Gosling said: "It was just fortunate no-one was in the conservatory at the time because the glass literally fell in on everything."

Mrs Gosling claims other houses have also come under fire from wayward tee shots.

She said she is now scared to use her conservatory and back garden. The stray shot landed her with a hefty repair bill after the clean-up operation.

"To say I am incensed is an understatement because not only did it cost me money to have the glass replaced, it is totally irresponsible to play near houses."

Although her house backs on to Notley High School sports ground the incident happened outside school hours.

Headteacher John Hartley said he sympathised but there is little he can do.

"We would prefer people not to come on to the field because it is private property but the reality is that it is not possible to enforce - I wish it was but it isn't. All we can do is try to encourage people to be as responsible as they possibly can."

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