Work on erecting perimeter fencing around Barony Park to prevent unauthorised traveller encampments is underway.
But concerned campaigners say the fence erected so far is higher than the one agreed in plans.
Workers have installed a section of fencing along most of the stretch of the perimeter along Sandford Road.
Campaigners and residents around the park have fought for years to protect the park from unauthorised encampments which have increased significantly in number over the last two years.
Last year, a £2 million pot was approved for Everybody Leisure to make improvements to the Barony Park facilities, including a perimeter to protect the park and provide a running/walking track.
Planned works also included a knee-high rail in some parts of the perimeter mixed with bushes, trees, seating and other furniture.
“This height of fence was not in the plans we put forward,” she said.
“We asked for low level, knee high which is less intrusive, easier for people to step over so they can walk on the park.
“This is about hip height, too high to step over but too low for people to stoop under!
“We always said we would consult with residents, and it is great to see some progress. We’re now working with Kieran Mullan and councillors to find out exactly what is to be in place and where to make sure we get the low level fencing that we requested.”
Dr Mullan said: “Residents are of course pleased to see something happening finally.
“I want to thank Friends of Barony Park and all the residents that helped the campaign and gave their feedback on the plans we produced.
“I have to admit fencing this high was never something we were supportive of and I have got confirmation that it won’t be all the way around.
“I know many residents want knee height only, like we have already on some parts.
“So as we speak I am working with Friends of Barony Park and local councillors to clarify exactly what is being put up where in the short and long term.
“I hope Cheshire East will be in listening mode.”
Campaigners and local councillors did see draft plans back in January, when they were told work would start in March.
The detailed drawings showed plans to improve the park so it could hold events like Park Runs and hope to gain “green flag status”.
We have contacted Cheshire East Council for their comment on the work and the finalised plans, and are awaiting a reply.
Previously, Cllr Mick Warren, portfolio holder for Communities, has said the perimeter work is just one of a number of measures being pursued to prevent unauthorised access.
This includes a legal measure in the form of a wider 3-year court injunction specifically for the Barony.
We revealed in May how that process was delayed by the pandemic lockdown and closure of courts.
The money would be spent more wisely by investing in a dickshunry which could be made available to contributors to Nantwich News letters.
Nantwich the town of trumpism..let’s build a wall and make someone else pay for it..
But only if it’s a nice wall…
Great sudonym Nigel.. sums all this up through. NIMBY. As long as it’s not your backyard..
The injunction is a waste of money and time. The police will be responsible for moving and paying the costs for removals which they don’t want..
The council are still trying to create a transit site which in essence creates the same rules as an injunction but borough wide. Surely this is a better use of taxes?
I think the locals around nantwich are wrong about the way that treat the gypsy if that where black it would be different
Nice photo opportunity for our – toe the line at Westminster MP. What are the consequences when the barrier is breached? the same as before I expect none but plenty of assistance till the perpetrators move on.
Blimey that’ll keep Des busy painting it.
Unsightly and ill-thought out. By the way, probably easier to knock down than knee-high because the posts are longer. Much better options were available. Unacceptable visual impact on the open space. Makes casual access much more difficult.
It’s no major problem,just put a narrow gap in every hundred yards or so,the benefit out ways any small disadvantage of having to walk a little to a access the park
Great news but please please do the same for coronation gardens opposite the park (opposite Cresent garage) as otherwise you are just moving the problem to another area and not stopping the problem
Next it will be, “Its the wrong colour”
For goodness sake stop moaning! At least save your means for when the travellers pull it down to camp on there!
It is more intrusive than it needs to be, Newcastle Under Lyme had a similar problem in May Bank\the marshes and have just used wooden bollards roughly knee height, which work effectively without being an eyesore and allowing pedestrians access. Maybe this one would be better without the horizontal posts too??
At last progress is being made! The height of the may be an issue to some people, however, a smaller knee high barrier can be easily knocked down, and the travellers won’t think twice about doing so! Good news as this is seeing a barrier going up, I am afraid they will just invade another convenient spot regardless, as they have no consideration for anyone’s property, public or private…..the Snow Hill car park being a prime example!
I think it would take too long for trees to grow enough to provide a sufficient barrier. I would like the to replace the trees they chopped down on the Middlewich Road side.
Great a fence at long last should keep to clear
Why did they not plant trees,cheaper and better for the environment ????