Sponsored by
Security fence bid turned down
A PLAN for a security fence intended to tackle anti-social behaviour has been rejected because of fears it could lead to more trouble.
Planners have turned down an application for 215m of fencing alongside an embankment at Westoe Crown Village in South Shields.
The plan was to put up fencing on either side of a footpath which links the village centre to Mowbray Road, running alongside the Westoe Crown Primary School.
The bid, by South Tyneside Council's asset management team, was supported by residents hopeful that the fence would reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area, deter youths from congregating on the embankment and provide more privacy for residents.
However, landowner Taylor Wimpey opposed the move, fearing the proposed fence could have the opposite effect to what it was intended for.
A company spokesman said: "The installation of a fence would effectively create a tunnel between two high-security fences, with nowhere for a person to escape should any incident arise in which they believed their wellbeing was threatened.
"While residents may consider this fence would deter anti-social behaviour at the rear of the properties, it would effectively enclose the area, providing an area where people could congregate."
A report to the council's planning committee said there had been no incidents or crimes in the area between April and September this year.
Whiteleas ward representative Coun Bill Brady said: "This proposal really frightens me.
"It would be fenced on both sides and, because it is enclosed, people will be frightened to go through it.
"Instead of solving a problem, it could create another one."
Email to a friend
Print this page- Transfer Rumours May 12: Sunderland, Newcastle, Chelsea, West Ham, Liverpool, Blackpool, Reading, Tottenham, West Brom
- Transfer Rumours May 12: Sunderland, Newcastle, Chelsea, West Ham, Liverpool, Blackpool, Reading
- Sammy Ameobi will be a big player for Newcastle United next season
- Tearoom throws out Anthem row trio
- Newcastle in talks over Cardiff friendly
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Jarrow
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North
