A retired teacher feels anxious to leave her home for fear of a landlord will remove a security gate from a Golden Triangle alleyway she thought belonged to her.

Victoria Barton, 81, from Portland Street, who bought her terrace in 1982, always believed an alley behind her property belonged to her and her neighbour, from talking with previous owners.

Norwich Evening News: The alley behind the gardens of two properties in Portland Street in Norwich which is secured with a police gate the end.The alley behind the gardens of two properties in Portland Street in Norwich which is secured with a police gate the end. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

She added it was an area of "peace and quiet" for them and their children when they first moved in, as well as being useful for deliveries.

It was made safer around 10 years ago with the introdction of a secure police gate at the end of the alley to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Ms Barton was shocked after Rodney Grady, landlord of a nearby Portersfield Road property next to the passageway, said it belonged to him around three months ago.

READ MORE: Unthank Road in Norwich's Golden Triangle through the years

He got a certificate of lawful use application approved from Norwich City Council to put a new door and window into the side of his property and the ex-teacher claims Mr Grady told her he owned the alley and would move the gate closer to her and her neighbour's back garden gates.

Norwich Evening News: Victoria Barton, 81, an ex-teacher, who has lived in Portland Street, Norwich, since 1982.Victoria Barton, 81, an ex-teacher, who has lived in Portland Street, Norwich, since 1982. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Ms Barton said: "The alley means everything to us. We have so little space.

"It is an unpleasant situation. Mr Grady has been rude and there has been no negotiating.

"We are anxious and it is causing me and my neighbours stress.

"I'm scared I'll go out and he will knock the gate down.

"I cannot stay in this house forever waiting for him to pounce."

A council spokeswoman said: "The alleyway and security gate were not mentioned at any point.

"If he was not able to remove the security gate before getting in touch with the council about the new door and window, he will not be able to now.

"We have not granted any permissions that would allow this to happen.”

Mr Grady refused to comment.