Newport residents see red over 'eyesore' fence

The fence, which neighbours say is an 'eyesore', was put around a house on Meadow Road to stop people going into it.

Residents living nearby say not only is the colour unpleasant for those living around it, but it could be dangerous for people driving past.

Barry Penson, who lives in Avenue Road, said the hoarding blocked the view for drivers who are travelling from Broadway on to Meadow Road.

The 70-year-old, who is retired from the fire service, said: "My concerns are, the colour is awful and lots of people living opposite have said it is an eyesore.

"But often there are cars parked on the road and I think they should have used a cage fencing which would have given people a better view.

"There is a risk that people will be coming down there and end up head on with someone on the wrong side of the road, not through any fault of their own."

Elaine Williams, who lives in Barnmeadow Road, says she can see the fence from her window.

She said: "It is disgusting. They did another estate just round the corner and the fence panels were green that time. It is an eyesore, if they had done it a different colour it would've been better.

"You cannot see turning left and you just have to keep edging out and edging out. And that road is very busy with people taking their children to and from school." Town and borough councillor Peter Scott said he had been speaking to Wrekin Housing Trust about how to make the area more attractive.

He said: "I fully understand the need to protect this site from anti-social behaviour and potential squatters but the needs and expectations of the local residents are of equal importance. No one wants to have to look out on a massive red fence for months on end."

However, Wrekin Housing Trust has said it will be repainting the fence panels green.

Spokeswoman Stacey Cooper said: "We have asked the contractor (S J Roberts) to install the hoarding on this site to make sure it looks as tidy as possible. Due to residents' comments about the colour of the screens, these will now be painted dark green, our brand colour, by the end of this week and information hoardings will be added to them shortly."

The trust has submitted plans to demolish the property and build two one-bedroom bungalows and and two three-bedroom houses with six parking spaces. It is hoped permission will be granted within three months and work will begin towards the end of the year.