Victoria Howells looks out on to the field she can no longer access from her homeDISABLED mother Victoria Howells believes she has become a prisoner in her own home after parish councillors blocked her access to a nearby field.

Ms Howells, 52, of High Street, Dilton Marsh, has lived next to the village playing fields for nine years.

She has exercised and walked her dogs there by reaching the field through a gateway in her fence. Last month the parish council ordered the police to lock the gate, saying it was illegal.

Ms Howells says a debilitating back injury at work means she cannot walk all the way round to the fields' main entrance.

She says her only form of exercise has been cut off and is stalling her recovery.

"I feel like a prisoner. All I want is a bit of compassion, but they can't give me that," she said.

"I know it's supposedly illegal but there have not been any problems over the past nine years.

"I can't walk on the road with my dogs because it is unsafe, if they saw something and pulled at the lead, I would just fall over or have to let go.

"The council say it's because of the problem of dog excrement on the fields.

"But dogs are still allowed to walk there, it's just now my son comes round every day to take them out.

"I have looked after and cared for animals all my life, if I ever see litter or dog mess I pick it up."

Ms Howells, who had back surgery last year, received a letter from the council last March telling her the gateway was made illegally and must be closed.

Last month the council padlocked the gate and at two meetings since, members have voted no change should be made.

"It has made such an impact on my life, I can't go out, I can't drive because I can only walk very short distances," Ms Howells said.

"I just wish they knew what it was like to be dependent on everybody else and to lose your sense of independence."

She has gained letters of support from her friends and west Wilts MP Dr Andrew Murrison.

Geraldine Bentley, from West Wilts Lifestyles, wrote to the parish council to voice her disbelief at their actions.

She said: "The action taken by Dilton Marsh Parish Council, which prohibits Ms Howells from gaining direct access to the playing fields next to her property, has indeed set her recovery back as well as causing her great concern.

"The Disability Discrimination Act was introduced to resolve access issues as well as introduce good practice issues. I'm staggered as to why the council now feels it necessary to deny this lady easy access to her only form of daily exercise.

Dilton Marsh Parish Council clerk, Anita Wittle, said: "Ms Howells has been advised by the council that the access gateway into the playing fields was cut illegally.

"We've heard about the Disability Discrimination Act but as far as we are concerned we are not in breach of that because we do not allow anyone direct access from that row of houses."