The Vale Housing Association made the decision to put up secure fencing at the garage site on Southampton Street in order to protect its property, adjoining housing and the tennis courts. Serious storm damage had rendered the garages unsafe, meaning that temporary fencing had to be installed to protect the public. This was followed up by increased secure fencing due to problems on the site with cars being vandalised, rubbish dumped and youths using the site to gain access to nearby gardens and harassing tennis players. Local residents had approached the Association asking for stronger security measures, following incidents where their gardens had been damaged and car-parts thrown onto their properties.
We recognise that this area has been used as a cut-through over the years, even though there is not in fact a public footpath. However the land on which the fence has been erected belongs to the Association, which is under an obligation to ensure that the site and the public are protected on health and safety grounds and that the area does not become a magnet for crime and anti-social behaviour. The Association is now reviewing the possibility of building new housing, which would include dedicated off-street parking areas being created and pedestrian access between Southampton Street and Westbrook The Association wrote to the tennis club and to the South Faringdon Residents Association in March of this year to advise them of the steps they intended to take. The police were also consulted and agreed that the type of fence to be used was the most suitable for protecting the area.
This is a difficult situation and we are aware that this fence has caused problems for people who are accustomed to make use of the land as a cut through. However against this we have to balance our responsibility to protect our property and keep the area safe for local people.
Communications and Research Manager
01235 536001