Plans submitted for new 4.5m fence at Haverhill Community Sports Association playing fields due to leftover dog waste concerns
Concerns have been raised over leftover dog waste and anti-social behaviour at a Suffolk town’s playing fields, with plans submitted to add a 4.5m fence.
The proposed application seeks permission to add 400 linear metres of 4.5m high fencing to the perimeter of Haverhill Community Sports Association (HCSA) playing fields.
A statement by Peter Betts, facilities & development manager at HCSA, said there were multiple needs and benefits to the perimeter fencing around the site.
It said: “The site is currently open for the general public to use at any time and this has resulted in many issues including dog waste being left on the children’s football pitches leaving an unsafe environment.
“Anti-social behaviour has also taken place, resulting in rubbish, broken glass and other dangerous objects being left on the pitches used for football and fitness groups on a regular basis.
“The existing on site equipment has also been damaged due to it being on open space. The proposed fencing will prevent anti-social behaviour and provide HCSA with some control measures on the space, and a guarantee that only recreational activities can take place in space”.
The statement also said that the fencing will ensure a safe playing environment, will manage unauthorised football around the site and will provide the club an opportunity to invest into improving the standard of grass pitches for sport and recreational activities.
Located next to Samuel Ward Academy, the grassed playing fields sit in the centre of the site with an artificial grass pitch to the east and a second artificial grass pitch yet to be built.
The proposed fencing will be open mesh and coloured dark green.