15084/2GAZETTE & HERALD: LACOCK landlord Frank Galley says he has lost the will to carry on fighting to save six plant tubs outside his pub, The Carpenter's Arms.

Wiltshire County Council says the planters are obstructing the public highway and has called on Mr Galley to remove them.

The battle began two years ago and Mr Galley says he has since been sent five solicitors' letters. The final straw came on Friday when he received a letter threatening to remove the old-fashioned pots if he doesn't do so himself.

"I'm fed up with fighting now, which is a real shame," he said. "One way or another they'll be gone soon. I just think this is bureaucracy gone mad. They're just pot plants at the end of the day."

He feels the problem lies in the fact that The Carpenter's Arms is one of the few buildings in the village not owned by the National Trust.

It is privately owned by a company called Unique, from whom Mr Galley has leased the business with his wife Nathalie for the past 13 years.

"Other pubs, the post office, tea rooms and bakery have plants and even advertising boards outside but haven't been asked to move them," he said.

A spokesman for the county council said: "There are a number of large planters outside the pub which are in the public highway and are causing an obstruction. The planters have caused problems for vehicles trying to park near the pub, and refuse collection vehicles are having difficulty servicing properties near the pub."