A feud between next-door neighbours that was sparked by cooking smells has resulted in each couple putting up CCTV cameras and barbed wire fencing.

The bitter four-year dispute between the Hos and the Burdens could now end in court.

It began when Paula and husband Kwok Hang Ho installed a cooker hood in their kitchen with an outside flue soon after moving into Tweed Crescent, Bicester, four years ago.

But neighbours Paula Burden and husband Robert complained that strong cooking odours were wafting into their conservatory. The incident started a feud involving a catalogue of accusations from both sides ranging from stalking, antisocial behaviour and harassment.

Both households then installed CCTV cameras -- first the Hos and then the Burdens -- and then Dr and Mrs Ho erected fences in their garden to deflect the gaze of their neighbours' cameras.

However, the fencing, which includes barbed wire, has breached planning regulations because it is too high.

Last year, Cherwell district councillors agreed to seek enforcement action. However, Dr and Mrs Ho have appealed against the enforcement action, claiming they were just protecting their home, and are eager for their day in court.

An independent planning inspector will make a decision, which is expected in the summer.

If the couple lose, Cherwell could give them one month to comply and remove the boards. If they do not do that, the whole matter could end up before magistrates.

The couple, who are both retired and originate from Hong Kong, said over the years they had upped security at their home following incidents involving their car, home and garden. Dr Ho, 54, said: "We had everything already. The only extra thing we can do was add CCTV. Our cameras were turned on our property.

"The boarding was just to obstruct the neighbours from monitoring us. They installed CCTV on the side of the house. It's not only looking into our garden, it can see in our windows.

"We are prepared to go to court to protect our home at all costs."

Mrs Ho, 50, added: "We are just living our way."

Neighbours Mr and Mrs Burden told the Oxford Mail they had been advised by their solicitor not to comment.