The demolition of a despised fence that soured community relations could cost the council thousands in returned grants, it has been revealed.

National Lottery cash was used to fund the fence when it was erected last summer in Buckingham Park, Hampton, to section off part of the field for Hampton Community College.

But now the Big Lottery Fund want their money back after work began on Monday to tear the fence down.

A spokesman for the fund said: "We are looking to recoup the costs of the fence which stand at £20,000."

The lottery say the move to rake back the money is "unprecedented" as the projects they fund are usually intended to last beyond the 18 months the fence has been in place.

Richmond upon Thames Council say they were aware of the cost implications before the unanimous vote to remove the fence was cast by the cabinet earlier this month. A council spokesman said: "Negotiations are ongoing as to how much will need to be reimbursed and we hope to make an announcement in the near future."

John Frixou, Hampton resident and campaigner, said of the potential cost to the tax-payer: "It's disgraceful, but the fence must still come down.

"It is causing a lot of antisocial problems for the area, creating alleyways which kids with motorbikes use as a rally track which is dangerous for residents. If it is left there it will cost thousands to maintain - in the long run, taking it down will be the best solution."

The fence was given the go ahead by the last administration, who applied for the lottery funding in order to provide the college with a match-fit sports pitch. £50,000 was granted for pitch improvements and to fund the fence. But a row ensued as residents claimed the college neglected the facility and that they had not been previously consulted by the council.

A task group has been set up to scrutinise the decision to install the contentious fence and investigations are already underway. Mr Frixou added: "We have not got to the bottom of this."

Meanwhile, leader of Richmond council Serge Lourie welcomed the removal of the fence saying: "I am delighted that the fence is coming down. It was put up by the previous administration without any consultation and has caused dissension between the local community and the school. I now hope we can work together to make Buckingham Park a wonderful amenity for local residents."