Trapped deer spark anger at factory site

A NEIGHBOUR has expressed his anger after rescuing deer which had become trapped on a site where a controversial hose factory is being built.

Four deer had become trapped within the temporary perimeter fence of the Aflex Hose site in Bradley on Sunday, neighbour Andrew Pollard said.

Aflex Hose’s plans to build on the greenfield land have already sparked protests from residents of the neighbouring housing estate.

Mr Pollard, who lives next to the site, said he and his wife had to ‘shepherd’ the animals out of the perimeter fence despite warning the company and its building contractors GMI about wild deer in the area.

He said: “On numerous occasions we have let it be known that deer cross the field that is now the Aflex Hose site as part of their regular passing from woodland to woodland in the area.

“So to find myself on Sunday morning shepherding deer that have found themselves trapped within the confines of the part built temporary perimeter fence was not something I wanted to see.

“Four deer were trapped within the area. I had to watch them banging against the fence in a desperate attempt to get out and running the perimeter of the area in the faint hope of finding the point they had entered. Myself and my wife had to enter the field to effect a rescue.”

Jeremy Hudson, projects director for Aflex Hose which has its UK headquarters in Sowerby Bridge, said neighbours should report sightings of deer on the site to the GMI site office.

He added that the perimeter fence was secure but said Aflex and GMI were discussing how to stop deer entering the site.

Mr Hudson said: “I was informed that deer had got onto the site on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, by the time I was informed, the deer had been released.

“GMI assured Aflex that the perimeter fence had been walked on Friday and was secure. I have