New fence at Peterborough games area proposed due to anti-social behaviour

City College Peterborough wants to install a 3m high paramesh fence and gates by a multi-use games area (MUGA) at the John Mansfield Centre in Western Avenue, Dogsthorpe.

The college’s charity wants to bring the site of the former school back into use for learners, as well as the local community, but its planning application to Peterborough City Council states: “Since 2007 the MUGA has fallen into disrepair and, due to the existing perimeter fencing being derelict, through which access is easily gained, it has also attracted fly-tipping which in turn has led to arson and multiple events of anti-social behaviour including drug taking and vandalism.

“Before we can invest in clearing the area and removing the dumped waste and, subsequently, commissioning improving works in order to return the MUGA back to its original use, we would need to secure the perimeter by replacing the existing derelict three metre high chain link fence with a new anti-climb perimeter fence.”

The application states that the new welded mesh fence, which would allow “excellent through vision” would be situated 1.5m inside the line of the existing boundary fence “so as not to cause unnecessary inconvenience and disturbance to residents”.

The application will now be considered by the council’s planning department.