Thieves are stealing part of a historic boundary wall which is believed to have once been the longest in England.

Temporary permission to has been granted for a wire fence to protect the brick wall running along Eastwell Park in Sandyhurst Lane, Boughton Aluph has been granted by borough councillors.

Members of Ashford council's planning committee heard ward member Cllr Rita Hawes explain the issue faced by the wall’s owner, Martin Goodman.

She said: "There is quite a dilemma here. Mr Goodman has an enormous problem - a boundary that keeps disappearing."

Mr Goodman went on to explain that theft from the listed wall - once the longest wall in England, according to concerned Cllr Mrs Marion Martin - was costing him thousands of pounds.

He said: "I have tried to protect the wall, especially the top half, but they pinch it faster than I can repair it.

"I am passionate about the wall and I am trying to save it."

While Cllr Mrs Aline Hicks thought the fence was fine, Cllr Mrs Martin, thought it "dreadful".

Councillors voted for a temporary permission - for three years - while efforts are sought to be repair and restore the wall.