Fence blows over in high winds damaging vehicles near pub...
A SECURITY fence surrounding a building site has blown over in high winds damaging two caravans and a car.
The fence also narrowly missed a mother walking past pushing a pram.
The incident took place during the recent high winds at a building site adjacent to The Priory public house in Abbots Road, Leek.
Landlord of the pub Barry Birch said: “The fence blew over in the high winds. It damaged two caravans on our car park. Some tourists were having a meal in our pub at the time and when they went outside it had made some scratches on their vehicle. It also just missed a mother with a pushchair who was walking past at the time.
“I rang my local councillor, Councillor Lyn Swindlehurst, over the matter as it was a health and safety issue.”
Councillor Swindlehurst said: “The landlord of The Priory pub in Abbots Road, Barry Birch, and his wife Tina, have been in regular contact with myself and Councillor Charlotte Atkins over many months with concerns regarding the planning permission for building work on part of the pub’s car park.
“Planning permission was granted with several conditions such as sound proofing which Barry and Tina accepted.
“Since building work commenced several months ago there have been very many concerns, including vandalism of charity clothes bins, burning of waste, including plastics on site and access issues related to the adjacent allotments.
“I drive around my ward regularly to check any issues and speak to constituents.
“I was appalled last week to find all of the security fences blown around in the recent heavy winds, two caravans on site have been damaged and a mother and small child had nearly been hit by a fence blown over.
“With Barry’s consent I contacted Staffordshire Moorlands District Council officers. Following a morning of calls and emails it was ascertained that it was in fact a health and safety issue, rather than a planning issue, however, a planning officer has emailed the site owner to ask them to re-erect the security fence and ensure it is made safe.
“I will be monitoring progress and liaising with officers to ensure this is done and the site remains safe for our community.”
Last November, the Post & Times reported how two charity bins located on the public house car park had been vandalised.
The two large bins were collection points for clothing and shoes at the Priory public house.
However, the metal tops were then cut off and the bins were filled with sand.
Publican Barry Birch said at the time everyone was shocked by the damage caused.