School defends its plans to build ‘prison-style’ fence
A PRIMARY school has hit back at criticism over its plans to build a new fence around its boundary.
St Paul’s Catholic Primary School has submitted proposals for a 2.1m tall weldmesh fence and to create of a new entrance on Marley Road.
But the scheme has been met with criticism from Poynton Town Council which said the height of the fence is ‘unneighbourly’.
Residents, including Colin Miller and Ronald Phelps, of Tapley Avenue, said the fence was like something you would see around a prison.
But headteacher Nora Armstrong-Boyle has defended the fencing, claiming it was to protect pupils and staff from trespassers and vandals.
She said: “We are surprised that the proposed fencing, which is being erected for reasons of security and pupil safety, has been criticised. In recent years the school has experienced dog fouling, trespass, vandalism and littering and it is in the interests of the safety of our pupils that measures are taken to protect the children and the school grounds and property from these actions.”
Mrs Armstrong-Boyle said the fencing was chosen to fit in with the residential area and is similar to other schools in the borough.
She added: “It will enable our pupils to enjoy and benefit from rich learning experiences outside the classroom, to ensure that their trees, play equipment and outside learning area are protected from vandalism. Hopefully our neighbours and parents will share our view that it is disappointing when a school has to take such measures, but recognise that this is for the benefit of the school community.”
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