Fuming farmer builds metal fence in revenge on BMW driver who blocked gate

A frustrated farmer taught a driver, who blocked his gate, a big lesson – by rigging up a makeshift metal fence around their BMW. The amusing stunt sends a serious message to rural visitors – farms are working landscapes.

The driver had left the vehicle directly in front of farmland gates in the Llangors area of Mid Wales.

The farmer built the fence, took a photograph and then removed it.

Green party councillor Emily Durrant, who represents Llangors and helps out on the farm during busy times like lambing, said the car was left next to an empty car park.

She said: “The farm is next to a public footpath, so the driver parked there, probably to go for a walk. But there is a large car park nearby, which was empty.

“We are sure it was not malicious and just demonstrates an ignorance of work in the countryside.

“For the farmer it was incredibly frustrating and worrying because that gate leads to lots of fields and having just done the lambing, he needed immediate access in case any of the ewes developed mastitis, an infection, which can cause death if it’s not dealt with immediately.

“It's an amusing picture, but the message behind it is a serious one. All we ask is for people to be considerate when travelling to rural areas and to be mindful of their surroundings.”

Councillor Durrant said someone claiming to be the driver on social media said they had removed the fence – but she says the farmer took the fence down and the car had gone when he returned to the scene after work.

She said the incident is just one of the problems encountered in rural areas and the pandemic has highlighted things– with people who have never been to the countryside before suddenly enjoying its charms.

She said: “We get huge numbers of visitors to our area because it’s so beautiful and its great be welcoming everyone and sharing our corner of heaven but please don't be a plonker and park in front of farm gates.

“It is a working landscape, not just a fun place to be. When farmers can't tend to their livestock it makes them a little upset.

“We are very welcoming of visitors, they are very important to our local economy and they bring a lot to the area.

“But people must respect the fact rural areas consist of working landscapes and they should be treated as such. It's the same as parking in front of someone's storefront.

“We are already seeing a huge increase in littering and a few really bad dog worrying incidents, and we really need to raise awareness and educate people about life in rural areas.

“I think our local communities need some help in managing the increased visitor numbers and the issues created.”