![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/our-8ft-privacy-fence-has-been-blasted-by-locals-but-its-crucial/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/aj-school-op.jpg&description=HOLEY HELL Published : 23:50, 10 Aug 2023 Updated : 23:50, 10 Aug 2023 TEACHERS are facing a fight with neighbours over a new 8ft privacy fence they insist is essential to protect pupils from intruders sneaking through holes in rotting walls. A Birmingham primary school has sparked protests from locals over plans for a new 2.4m-tall metal barrier to surround the grounds. 1 Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School wants the fence to improve security Credit: Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School Opponents fear it will make them pay higher energy bills by blocking out natural light - and also suggest it could encourage more crime by creating new nearby alleyways. Yet both police and council planning officers have thrown their weight behind Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School, in Birmingham's Harborne suburb. School chiefs insist the proposed new fence should safeguard children "for many years to come", the Birmingham Mail reports. Staff say they have been plagued daily by not only onlookers peering over at pupils but also intruders on the school grounds. Yet there has been a backlash from Harborne residents, with 20 letters objection fired off to Birmingham City Council. Some protesters insisted the school's money could be "better spent" - while others accused Our Lady of Fatima of being "disingenuous" when talking about "safeguarding" needs. The higher energy bills complaints came when speculating about a loss of natural light. Critics also suggested the fence could actually increase crime and anti-social behaviour, by making new alleyways along the perimeter. Yet West Midlands Police have told the local authority they have no objection to the plans. And council officers have recommended the fence be given the go-ahead when a decisive planning meeting is held next Thursday. The school's application for a mesh fence with timber slats also includes some playground changes such as new steps and handrails. In a statement, they said: "The perimeter fence in i){kind=link}
TEACHERS are facing a fight with neighbours over a new 8ft privacy fence they insist is essential to protect pupils from intruders sneaking through holes in rotting walls.
A Birmingham primary school has sparked protests from locals over plans for a new 2.4m-tall metal barrier to surround the grounds.
Opponents fear it will make them pay higher energy bills by blocking out natural light – and also suggest it could encourage more crime by creating new nearby alleyways.
Yet both police and council planning officers have thrown their weight behind Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School, in Birmingham’s Harborne suburb.
School chiefs insist the proposed new fence should safeguard children “for many years to come”, the Birmingham Mail reports.