A couple have been given restraining orders after putting up banners with their neighbours’ photos on them in protest against extensions they said invaded their privacy.

Courtney and Fiona Lytton, aged 66 and 60 respectively, had been charged with the crime of harassment of their neighbours at Long Rock, near Penzance, between December 25, 2018, and March 28, by erecting the banners.

They appeared at Truro Magistrates’ Court this afternoon and pleaded not guilty.

However magistrates decided to dismiss the charges and placed restraining orders on the couple to prevent them putting up any banners or temporary structures “designed or intended to harass” their neighbours.

In January the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported how Mr and Mrs Lytton had created the barriers after what they said was a “nightmare” battle against their neighbours and Cornwall Council.

They claimed that Cornwall Council had not followed proper procedure in granting planning permission for the extensions which overlook their back garden.

The extensions have been built at a property which is situated next door to their home as well as one to the rear.

Using photographs they had taken of their neighbours using their extensions they created what they said were “privacy banners” which they said would ensure the could enjoy their garden in private.

In making the restraining order the magistrate said: “You are people of previously good character. But you have lowered yourself in my view.”

She added: “I have no doubt that it was extremely distressing but there are proper ways of dealing with it.”

The couple were told that they were “mature” and should not have resorted to creating the banners.

The magistrate added: “The most important thing is that you learn to live with your neighbours properly.”

The restraining order says that Mr and Mrs Lytton “must not make any banners or any other structures designed or intended to harass your neighbours, that is temporary or permanent”.

They were told that the order would remain in place for four years.

In dismissing the Lyttons the chairman of the magistrates’ bench said she did not want to see the couple back in front of the court again.