THE council is looking to beef up security at some of the city’s allotments after spates of thefts and vandalism.
The city council is looking to replace and install new fences and gates at two of its allotment sites – Hillborough Allotments in Stanley Road and Northwick Road Allotments.
The two applications will be discussed by the council’s planning committee at a meeting in the Guildhall on July 20.
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A report, which outlines the recommendation, said: “The proposals of the replacement fencing, and vehicle gates will individually and collectively improve the security to the area the proposed materials are considered to be of a good quality and will integrate effectively with its surroundings.”
The council’s plans for the Hillborough Allotments would see “dilapidated” wire fencing along the southern Midland Road boundary replaced with a stronger 1.8-metre-high fence and new entrance gates.
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A new fence would also be built to the north of the allotments near Byfield Rise.
The council said the allotment’s fences and gates were no longer “serving the required purpose” and needed to be replaced to improve security as well as make it easier for deliveries.
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“The site has suffered with thefts of produce and damage to sheds and tenants’ property, the proposed improvements are considered to improve the existing insufficient security measures and provide wider gated access to allow for deliveries of manure which are usually via a tractor or trailer,” the council said.
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The plans for Northwick would see new fencing and gates built at the allotments’ three entrances and a new, taller fence along Marion Close.
The council had originally considered building a new vehicle entrance for the allotments in Marion Close but later scrapped the move.
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Two residents in nearby Southall Avenue, which joins Marion Close at the allotment entrance, said the council’s plans were “inappropriate” and “alien” to the rest of the residential street.
One objector, Nicholas Hatton of Southall Avenue said: “The proposed new fencing [and gates] are inappropriate for a domestic setting. The allotments are set within a suburban environment and any improvements must be in a complimentary aesthetic that is not detrimental to the local environment.”
Both plans will be discussed by Worcester City Council’s planning meeting from 3pm in the Guildhall on July 20.
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