A pensioner has threatened to chain herself to a gate in protest at a popular alleyway in her village being blocked off.

Hazel Taylor is one of several residents in Teynham infuriated by a barrier which she says has restricted access for people with mobility issues to shops on London Road.

The path, near the post office, has reportedly been used by pedestrians for decades.

Mrs Taylor, of New Gardens Road, said: “We’re all widows on this estate and all of us used to go through that way to get to the shops.

“I keep thinking I’m losing my marbles because I continue to walk that way, forgetting that it’s blocked.

“If push comes to shove I might chain myself to it, just to get the thing removed.”

The 68-year-old is concerned about the impact of the gate, particularly for older residents.

She said: “The alleyway has been there since before I was born and before the estate was built, that’s more than 50 years ago.

“I know my 78-year-old neighbour doesn’t leave the house now because she has a bad leg and it was an easy way for her to get to the shops. That’s what really gets me” - Hazel Taylor

“I know my 78-year-old neighbour doesn’t leave the house now because she has a bad leg and it was an easy way for her to get to the shops. That’s what really gets me.”

It is thought the gate was put up by the landlord who owns the building next to the alleyway in an effort to curb trespassing on her property.

But after a number of complaints, Teynham Parish Council has applied to Kent County Council for permission to make it a public right of way.

So far 22 people have submitted evidence that the path has been used by the public for at least 20 years, and requested the council to officially make the change.

However, it is understood it could take up to two years for a decision to be made.

But for some residents waiting is not an option, as the path was a shortcut to get to the village pharmacy.

Sarah Ward, of Cherry Gardens, suffers from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, a condition which causes constant pain. She says the gate has isolated the community.

The 46-year-old, who cares for her elderly father, said: “I would ask the landlady to reconsider what she has done and look at how it has affected so many people.

“The gate has isolated the village and I struggle to see why she put it up as the walkway wasn’t being abused by the community, it was a lifeline.”

Parish councillor Jo Gifford has been monitoring the situation. She said: “I am very concerned that a right of access that people have used for a long time has been taken away.

“We are disappointed that we couldn’t come to a compromise with the landowner, but we did try.”