Barbed wire blocking a footpath in Borehamwood has been criticised as “inconvenient and inconsiderate”.

The path next to Isopad House, in Shenley Road, Borehamwood, is regularly used as a cut through between Brook Road, Elstree Way and Shenley Road.

But barbed wire has been installed around the building, forcing people to go around it, which can add an extra ten minutes to some journeys.

Cllr Pat Strack, the Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council, said: “It makes things difficult as it’s now twice as long to get through.

“It’s frustrating.”

Isopad House is due to be sold to developers for housing later this year after planning permission to turn it into flats was granted.

Councillor Sandra Parnell, who sits on the town and borough councils, said: “It’s inconvenient and inconsiderate.

“They need to consult the residents before they do something like this – it’s not fair.”

Hertfordshire County Council said in a statement that there are no recorded public rights of way between Isopad House, Shenley Road and Brook Road.