Council officials have removed a gate that has been at the centre of a row between residents in a park.

Angry dog walkers and parents last week blocked in cars that had been driving at speed in a park because they were worried about safety.

Police had to be called to Preston Park in Brighton before the issue was resolved and the drivers allowed to leave.

At the weekend protesters held a demonstration against the drivers and locked the gate which prevented access by cars to some parts of the park, including the chalet cafe.

Four years ago Belen Dilnot, of Yardley Street, formed a group called Walk On The Quiet Side after an incident in which she was almost run over while walking with her young son on a tree-lined avenue known as Lime Tree Walk.

This group successfully petitioned the council to erect a barrier which prevented cars from entering the park.

She said: "Last week dozens of cars were once again speeding down Lime Tree Walk and around the area of the chalet cafe.

"Preston Park provides more than 200 parking spaces yet these people felt they could not manage the short walk while delivering their children to their football match.

"People blocked the exit for these cars. We were forced to take the law into our own hands.

"Now we are worried about our safety because the gate has gone altogether."

Brighton and Hove City Council was told it was breaking a law with the barrier, which requires that disabled people have access to all amenities.

Walk On The Quiet Side has asked the council to improve wheelchair access in the park but says if disabled badge holders are given car access then the park becomes open to all motorists.

Campaigners are asking the council to look again at the law, which says there can be exemptions if its implementation compromises the safety, health and enjoyment of others.

A council spokesman said: "The barrier has been taken away for a few days to be worked on.

"It's bent and is also having a fitting put on it enabling it to be locked open as well as locked shut.

"When it's reinstalled, it will be open between 10am and 6pm in keeping with the cafe's opening hours.

"We are not sure precisely when it will reappear."