NEW security fencing at a library site in Worcester has been welcomed by councillors after a spate of anti-social behaviour including an arson attack at a nearby nursery.
The fencing has been installed at the Fairfield Centre and Warndon Library in Worcester after a series of concerns raised by residents and councillors about antisocial behaviour.
Fairfield Nursery lost its summer house and most of its outdoor play equipment in the blaze on the evening of Saturday, October 28 last year, leading to calls for urgent improvements in the security of the wider site.
Cllr Owen Cleary said: "I'm especially proud to announce the erection of the new security fencing around the Fairfield centre and Warndon library site.
"This is a community hub offering much needed support and learning services to Worcester residents.
"Over the last 12 months in particular we have seen two recurring issues: Residents have struggled with access on/through the site and staff have been frustrated by anti-social behaviour outside work hours.
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"I and county councillor James Stanley have liaised with the local police team, county council, residents and building staff to identify a solution. We then identified county council funds that we could set aside for the security of the site. For other security issues in parts of Warndon and Gorse Hill, please contact us through the council website."
Cllr Jill Desayrah, who has met with residents about their concerns, said: “I’m delighted to see the security fencing finally being installed at the Fairfield Centre. The arson at the nursery was the last straw.
"Many months of asking has been rewarded. But talking with residents about it on Sunday raised concerns about youths finding a more dangerous way to scale this obstacle.
"Hopefully anti-climb paint will help address this. Everyone wants community assets protected but we also want to ensure safety for all.
"Before I celebrate, I would like confirmation of when exactly the gates will be opened and closed, as residents like to cut through there to access the bus stop on Brickfields Road."
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