A PENDLE dairy farmer has been told to erect and maintain stock proof fences around his land after being taken to court.

John Allison, of Hubbs House Farm in Southfield Lane, Colne, was given the injunction after several incidents since spring and one occasion last year where around 20 bulls, cows and calves escaped from his land and damaged people's gardens in Oxford Road, Nelson.

Sheep also escaped, causing damage on Knotts Drive and Knotts Mount in Colne.

Allison was also ordered to pay the council’s legal costs of £680.41 which he must pay by November 9, the same day the fence must be up by.

Philip Mousdale, Pendle Council's corporate director, said: "On one occasion part of the course had to be closed due to concerns for people’s safety.

“If John Allison fails to comply with this injunction he will be in contempt of court and faces the possibility of a substantial fine and even imprisonment."