Residents of the 12 homes in Moss Terrace, who have left their vehicles on what they thought was unoccupied land for the past 30 years, were stunned last week after a man claiming he owned the land started to erect posts and a fence on the site.
The man, believed to be Stephen Rumbelow, the former owner of Winnington Hall, told neighbours he had owned the land for 10 years.
Mum Leanne Williams, who lives in one of the Moss Terrace properties, said that neighbours had joined forces to petition drivers on Winnington Lane, set up an online petition group and pooled their funds to enlist the help of a solicitor.
The online petition had 120 signatures as the Guardian went to press.
Leanne said: “The residents of the 12 houses are up in arms - it is ridiculous and pathetic and we really think if we get a lot of people behind us then we can do something.
“We will fight it every step of the way and he will not win it because people just can’t act like this.
“There is no way on this land the he is going to take that from us - we have owned it and maintained it for a minimum of 32 years.”
The 31-year-old said drivers on Winnington Lane had been forced to dodge residents’ cars now they were being parked on the road, not the car park.
The campaigners have also enlisted the help of Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans to back their cause.
MP Evans said: 'I have met with the Moss Terrace residents and understand their frustration at the current situation, especially as they have sought over many years to establish the correct ownership of the land.
“I have offered my support to ensure that they are able to establish the facts and resolve the dispute quickly.”
The Guardian attempted to speak to Mr Rumbelow but was unable to do so.
To view the online petition, visit thepetitionsite.com/5/stop-the-stealing-of-our-land/ or visit the Facebook page Moss Terrace Parking Campaign.