RESIDENTS of a Gwent village united last night in a battle to abolish 'feudal' rights being used by a businessman threatening to charge them up to £45,000 to gain access to their homes.

Villagers from Peterstone, Wentloog, say they are being "held to ransom" by Cardiff businessman Mark Tudor, who bought the title Lord Marcher of Trelleck for £10,000 in 1997.

Mr Tudor is now claiming ownership of Broadstreet Common, which runs through the village.

His lawyers have written to residents, demanding a one-off payment of 9 per cent of the value of their homes for permission to cross the pavements and verges.

At a meeting of the Peterstone Action Group, held in Peterstone village hall last night, more than 60 angry villagers decided to press ahead with plans to lobby for a change in the law to abolish feudal rights.

Ruth Winstanley, 48, of the Peterstone Action Group, said even though a change in the law could not help them, as it cannot be made retrospective, they would still fight for the benefit of others.

She said: "We want to abolish these rights, as has been done in Scotland."

Members of the group are also meeting Newport AM Rosemary Butler tomorrow to discuss the matter.

Mr Tudor has said that he will accept a "goodwill" payment of 7.5 per cent if villagers pay before January 30, and has also asked for an extra £350 plus VAT to cover his legal costs.

The action group is determined not to pay a penny. They have now set up their own website at www.peterstoneaction.org.uk