Retired teacher Helene Ball, 81, has won a three-year legal dispute with Derbyshire County Council after it blocked the gate giving access from her Matlock home to her garden. The gate had been used by her family for nearly 60 years, but the council installed a metal fence without prior notice, apparently amid plans to sell the adjacent council-owned car park.

The dispute cost about £50,000 and involved Mrs Ball seeking recognition of a prescriptive easement, a legal access right acquired through long-term use. Although the council has now restored vehicle access, it placed 54 large concrete blocks outside her home, costing £7,700, saying they would prevent fly-tipping, racing and other antisocial behaviour; Mrs Ball says the continuing situation has caused significant distress and spoiled her summer.