VILLAGERS in Sheet seem to be mounting a rebellion against Petersfield Town Council.

Direct action by residents over their tree swing has infuriated one town councillor who said they were Òtaking the mickey out of us and sticking two fingers up at usÓ.

Chris Jenner made the remarks at a meeting last week and added: ÒThey are riding roughshod over us. What we have at the moment is a state of anarchy.Ó

The swing had been ripped down on council orders earlier this month because of safety and legal fears, but within hours it had reappeared.

Mr Jenner said there was a vowed intention in the village that the swing would be put back up within six hours of anyone taking it down.

He added: ÒIt will

go up again and again.

It will cost lots of money because of these people who cannot take no for an answer.Ó

Bob Ayer, who urged the council to keep the swing in place, said: ÒI think this council is doing itself damage in the eyes of the community it serves. My advice would be to pay more attention to the community.Ó

Councillors had been informed that Sheet Village Association had insured the swing but they were not convinced that this indemnified the council against legal action as a result of an accident and agreed that the swing should be taken down again.

But it was a different story for BMX riders who refused to roll over when the council bulldozed their track on Sheet Common.

The group of riders immediately set to work on building new jumps and councillors have now agreed to set up a working party to investigate the provision of a track in the area.

Riders turned out in force at the councilÕs grounds committee last week angered by the councilÕs decision to bulldoze the track.

Chairman of the committee, Brian Dutton, raised concerns over the safety of the track and the possibility of legal action as a result of injuries.

He added: ÒSince 1996 we have received six claims against the council for injuries on council property.Ó

He also raised concerns about damage to trees caused by holes dug by riders to build the jumps.

But Mr Jenner said it was not Òbeyond the realms of possibilityÓ for both parties to get together and find a solution.

He added: ÒWe could even provide materials so they do not have to dig holes.Ó

Margaret Jennings, the mother of one of the riders, said Mr JennerÕs idea was a brilliant suggestion.

She added the riders could come up with a plan to present to councillors.