A VILLAGER has fenced off a car park with bollards, claiming the land belongs to him.

But owners of the Springhead pub in Sutton Poyntz have dug out deeds from 1925 which they say proves the car park is theirs.

The struggle over the little patch next to the village pond - which snugly fits about eight cars - started last year when plumber Dave Skinner, who lives opposite, cordoned it off with orange tape.

Now Mr Skinner has replaced the temporary measures with metal bollards and chains.

But landlord Richard Treadwell says Punch Taverns, which owns the Springhead, has produced the 80-year-old deeds to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Mr Treadwell said: "First he cordoned off the car park but it was all taken down by local residents who disagreed with it.

"It's quite valuable land for us when we're busy but it's also a valuable overflow car park for the village.

"Not everybody in Sutton Poyntz has parking space outside their home so we've always allowed residents to use it.

"Then last week a notice appeared on a telegraph pole saying there would be eight bays.

"So we then, along with the Sutton Poyntz Society, took it up with the council."

He continued: "We've found it all rather comical to be honest.

"Nobody ever checked with us, even though we have the deeds.

"We've now produced the deeds and also produced photographs going back to the early Nineties with a sign saying "Springhead car park."

"So we know the land belongs to Punch Taverns.

"I think the villagers just want it all resolved."

Punch Taverns would not confirm whether they plan to remove the bollards.

A spokesperson said: "We are pleased to have been able to clarify that the piece of land has always been part of the pub property and belongs to Punch Taverns.

"We are now seeking to resolve this situation as quickly as possible."

Mr Skinner was not available to comment.