PEOPLE living on an estate in Warminster are in the dark about the future of land near their homes, after six signs with ‘private’ written on them were placed on local verges.

Speculation has surrounded the yellow and black home-made signs since they were placed along Grovelands Way, to the west of the town.

Locals understand that a farmer who inherited the land has had the signs put up, and say they are not happy with their appearance and fear that they may herald a new development.

Jan Benjamin, 69, of Norridge View, off Grovelands Way, said: “We have walked our dogs in the area for many years and I was very surprised to see the the signs last weekend.

“They are quite intimidating and the decision to put them there is very strange.

“It seems like it’s all being done in a stealthy manner and we aren’t being informed of what’s going on, which I, and others, don’t like.

“There were lots of different flowers and animals in the area which seem to have vanished recently which is sad to see.”

The land is popular with dog walkers in the area and features two public footpaths, as well as a children's play area.

Cllr Pip Ridout said: “The history of the play area at Grovelands Way dates back to when the estate was built and the land should have been transferred to the then district council, but due to an oversight, it still belongs to the farmer.

“The result of that oversight means the landowner has the right to stop people using the land should he see fit.

“However, we are investigating whether two of the signs on the grass verge are on Wiltshire Council’s land, as we believe they might be, and he will have to remove them if they are.”

This week a spokesman for the landowner, Durmast Ltd said: “We have placed some signs on our land at Grovelands as we are currently undertaking some maintenance work, which is important for public health and safety.

“The public may also have noticed that on part of our land there are now some pigs in a controlled area. These signs are also there to ensure the safety of the pigs and the public, and we would ask that the public are respectful of these signs.

“We would also like to confirm that the designated public footpaths across our land are still open for public use.”