NORTHFLEET: Steel fence brings 'Cold War atmosphere' to street (From News Shopper)

NORTHFLEET: Steel fence brings 'Cold War atmosphere' to street

9:00am Monday 3rd May 2010 in News By Michael Purton

Ian Hartridge says the fence has given the street a Cold War atmosphere

A STEEL fence raised around playing fields has brought a Cold War atmosphere to a residential street, a homeowner says.

Colyer Road residents are unhappy with the perimeter fence put up around the fields next to Northfleet Technology College while construction work takes place at the school.

Kent County Council (KCC) is currently redeveloping the college.

Ian Hartridge, who has lived in Colyer Road for 40 years, says the fence has given the street a “Cold War atmosphere”.

The 66-year-old said: “It is an industrial looking fence and the gate is the same style. It looks there should be a prison on the other side. It’s far too severe.

“It shows what KCC thinks of the area. We are trying to keep our properties looking nice and they have put up a monstrosity.”

A KCC spokesman said the fence was necessary to keep children out of the site while construction work is taking place.

He said: "The fencing has been put up to enhance the security of the school site.”

However, the spokesman said the council will inspect the fence to make sure it does not contradict the planning conditions of the development.

He said: “Following residents' concerns, we will make sure that it conforms with the planning approval."