**Neighbours in Turmoil After Shopkeeper Blocks Access to Their Homes with Barrier**
Residents of Unity Way in Talke, Staffordshire, are embroiled in an escalating dispute after a shopkeeper erected a barrier across a private road, effectively stopping locals from reaching their homes by car. For many years, homeowners have enjoyed unimpeded use of this route. That all changed, neighbours say, after ownership of the access road shifted hands four years ago.
The controversy began when Aspire Housing, the area’s longstanding housing organisation, sold the stretch of roadway and adjoining land to the owner of Unity Way Convenience in February 2021. At the time, some believed that access to their driveways and parking spaces would continue undisturbed. However, the new owner recently installed a gate, which now bars vehicles but still allows pedestrians through.
Long-time resident Joe Wright, who has lived in Unity Way since 1982, shared his deep frustration over the issue. “Aspire advised me to seek legal counsel, but solicitors’ fees are way beyond my means,” he explained. “I’ve asked the police, but they say it’s a civil matter and not something they can intervene in.” Many residents now find themselves in a difficult position, facing daily inconveniences and potential legal costs in their fight for driveway access.
The shopkeeper, meanwhile, has defended his decision, claiming the measure was necessary to clamp down on what he described as ongoing illegal activity in the car park adjoining the road. “That’s the main reason for the barrier,” he insisted. He has further argued that he remains open to allowing vehicular access, on the condition that the residents agree to share the costs of resurfacing the worn road with new tarmac. “I told them, use the road all you like—just help with the resurfacing expenses—but none of them want to contribute,” he maintained.
Council representatives have also been drawn into the furore. Councillor Andrew Fear, responsible for strategic planning at Newcastle Borough Council, confirmed that a complaint about the new barrier had reached council offices. “We are currently investigating a possible breach of planning control,” Councillor Fear said. “We will notify the complainant once we determine whether the situation falls within our remit.”
The shopkeeper claims the move is not a wholesale ban. “People can still walk through,” he said, “but cars are no longer allowed because the constant driving is ruining the road surface.” He also asserted that parking and access to caravans are strictly prohibited, citing damage to his newly acquired property as a key concern.
Aspire Housing—previous owner of the contentious land—has shared its hope that a resolution can be found. Mark Warburton, head of assets and sustainability at Aspire Housing, clarified the terms of the sale: “Any legal rights of access in place at the time were transferred when the property changed hands, or would have to be separately agreed with the new owner. Our tenancy agreements don’t include guarantees for parking or vehicle access on that site,” Warburton stated. He encouraged residents to approach the new owner directly to discuss potential agreements, promising support to their tenants where feasible.
For now, locals are wrestling with the sudden change in their daily routines and the uncertainty over whether the road will once more be available for cars. Many continue to express their dissatisfaction with the impasse, and some are calling on both the council and Aspire to help broker a fair solution.
This dispute highlights the often fraught issues that can arise with privately owned access points and communal spaces in residential developments. As residents voice their anger and inconvenience, questions remain over whether legal action, compromise, or further intervention will help restore neighbourly relations—and daily convenience—on Unity Way.