RESIDENTS and councillors in the Saddleworth village of Uppermill have launched a bid to halt the construction of a “monster” aluminium fence near a grade II-listed railway viaduct which dates back to 1848.

Local campaigners have put up banners calling on Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne to intervene personally to stop the two-metre high fence stretching more than 400 metres along picturesque lane – a magnet for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts - being completed.

The three banners read: “Please Mr Carne stop the fence now. We don’t want it.”

At least 50 residents living in homes in and around Den Lane as well as local councillors Graham Sheldon and Derek Hefferman are objecting to the fence.

Network Rail says the fence is being put up for safety reasons after recent “trespass incidents”, but Cllr Sheldon is arguing there is an alternative location for fencing which would do the job which would be out of sight.

Cllr Sheldon said: “It’s completely ridiculous what they are doing.

“The fence they are putting up is next to the tunnel down the banking right along Den Lane, where the road goes under the viaduct.

“It’s an absolute monster in this picturesque part of Saddleworth which is totally unnecessary. It’s hideous what they are doing.

“The simple solution would be to fence it off at the top of the banking so that when the trees are shrubbery are in leaf, it would be completely unseen.”

Cllr Sheldon has emailed Mr Carne requesting a site meeting, but apart an acknowledgement that the message has been received, he said there has been no further response.

Uppermill resident John Matthews who runs a media company called Big Picture Films said the fence is being built about 30 foot away from the actual train track.

He told The Oldham Times: “I asked the contractor why they were building it there and he actually said to me ‘because it is easier’.

“It is not in keeping – it is not necessary – the railway has been there over a 100 years with no problems. It’s a total over reaction and no consideration for the people that live and visit here.

“It will destroy one of the most beautiful lanes in Uppermill considered the jewel in the crown in Oldham.”

Mr Matthews said repeated attempts to engage with Network Rail had failed.

And he expressed outrage over some inside information he discovered when talking to one of the workmen on site.

He said: "I was told by a contractor who would not give his name that they are supposed to put a request in to build next to the railway track. It takes time and costs money. He said it is easier to build it next to the lane than go through that process.

"That is exactly the reason why this fence is being built where it is. That is exactly the reason why it is not being built where it is meant to be built, because the contractor cannot be bothered to do the job properly.

"On this basis this fence will be stopped and it will be put where it is meant to be."

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “For safety reasons we have replaced broken fencing at Den Lane, Uppermill, after a train driver and railway workers spotted young people trespassing trackside.

“Safety is our top priority. Trespassers risk life, limb and hefty fines. We urge people to stay off the tracks.”