Golden Triangle security gate in Norwich being fought over

The police gate is at the end of a short passage behind two homes in Portland Street and joins Porterstfield Road, and was put up around 10 years ago to stop anti-social behaviour, according to Victoria Barton who has lived in one of the Portland Street homes since 1982.

Victoria Barton, who has lived in Portland Street, Norwich, since 1982 (Image: Sonya Duncan)

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But Ms Barton, 81, and her long-term neighbour felt "disgusted" on receiving a new key on March 21 to the gate after they suspected the lock had been changed by landlord Rodney Grady, who owns a property in Portersfield Road next to the passage.

They called a locksmith on March 29 to change the lock on the gate and Ms Barton said: "We felt threatened and anxious."

The two households felt they had always owned the alley and looked after it but were shocked after Mr Grady said it belonged to him around three months ago.

The alley behind the two homes in Portland Street, Norwich (Image: Sonya Duncan)

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Mr Grady got a certificate of lawful use application approved from Norwich City Council to put a new door and window into the side of his property and the ex-teacher claims he told her he would move the gate closer to her and her neighbour's back garden gates.

Ms Barton added: "A key was posted through my door with no note. Mr Grady seems to have taken possession and control of the passageway.

"I was told by police that if he tampered with the police gate it would be criminal damage. 

"We feel like it is an invasion of our privacy. There has been no communication."

The retired teacher said they had maintained the passage for many decades and did not have funds to fight the landlord.

She said: "It is like a David and Goliath situation."

Norfolk Police and Mr Grady declined to comment.