Rocker's fence angers Calif. neighbors

TERRA LINDA, Calif., Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Marin County, Calif., neighbors of Metallica's James Hetfield say they're outraged over his move to erect a fence closing off a popular hiking trail.

Hetfield, lead singer and chief songwriter of the legendary heavy metal rock band, erected the barbed wire-topped metal fence on his Terra Linda, Calif., property, blocking access to a fire road long used by hikers and equestrians, the Marin (Calif.) Independent Journal reported Tuesday.

The fence -- 300 feet long and made of corrugated silver metal stretching 8 to 10 feet high -- has prompted outcries from local outdoors enthusiasts who have been using the trail for more than 50 years, the newspaper said.

"I now have to get on the road with cars and go another three to seven miles to get to where I want to go," said biker David Lazarini of San Rafael, Calif. "It was always open, and it has changed suddenly."

David Warner of Redhorse Constructors Inc., who built the fence, said Hetfield wanted the bigger structure because the previous, smaller gate and other nearby property behind it had been vandalized.

The newspaper said efforts to contact Hetfield through Metallica's publicist were unsuccessful.