PROTEST group has been formed following the construction of a controversial aluminium fence next to a grade II-listed viaduct.

The six foot-high fence stretching more than 400 yards along Dove Lane in Uppermill has been put up by Network Rail, it says, to prevent trespassing on the railway line.

However, councillors and residents have written to Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne claiming that the "monster" fence does not actually prevent anyone from getting on to the line.

They also say no instances of trespass or vandalism to the track have ever been reported to the local police.

John Matthews, who runs a film making and media company, is one of the campaigners, but he said more than 200 people had joined the fight against the fence.

He said a protestors' meeting has been arranged next to the Commercial Inn, underneath the church steps at Uppermill on Friday (May 24) at 3pm and is appealing for anyone who wants to join the campaigners to attend.

A spokesman for the campaign group said: "There is enormous anger about the way Network Rail has gone about this. They say the fence is to prevent trespass but the police say there have never been reports of this, or vandalism. Also, it is easy to gain access to the line here, even with the fence in place."

The Oldham Times has put the campaign group's comments to Network Rail.