The James' fight council
The businessmen regarded by some as Uminas own Steptoe and Son have vowed to fight Gosford Council for rear lane access to their West St property.
Lot 34 West St, Umina, have collected more than 440 signatures in 10 days on a petition supporting their call for rear lane access.
They claim rear lane access was promised to them by previous council officers over 30 years ago.
The house on the lot was built more than 40 years ago and without rear access, the James say they have been forced to have their back yard at the front of the house in the middle of a busy shopping precinct for all to see.
Complaints from retailers and council officers have fallen on deaf ears as the James feel that they have no choice.
As well as living on the property, they operate an antenna factory and a rental shop.
The James believe that they have been discriminated against and recent threats of fines up to $110,000 have not helped the situation.
Mr James senior said: "I have nine war service medals and served in many theatres of war and now, at my age, I find it hard to believe that after all that I still have to fight for my rights."
Ed James said: "When council gives us rear lane access, we will gladly remove our much maligned front fence across our driveway and do what we have wanted to do for many years - build a shop on the site."
"This will solve everyones problems," he said.
Cec Bucello, August 10