Action to be taken over 'danger' fences

Buy photos» Neil Laurenson and Peter Yeomans are concerned about dangerous fences by Perdiswell Leisure Centre. Picture by Alex Bradbury. 3211025ABR2

Andrew Warren

12 August. Updated: 12 August 08:57

AN ASSAULT course of dangerous wires and fences by a Worcester leisure centre could cause serious injuries to dogs and their owners, it has been claimed.
Trodden down wires and rotting fence posts are hidden in overgrown grass close to paths at the Worcester City Council run Perdiswell Leisure Centre. Temporary fencing introduced in 2006 to protect new trees from rabbits still remains and is damaged, despite originally only being put there for two years.
Members of the public have cut their own gaps in the thin wire fences close to the golf course at the centre, leaving jagged edges close to the paths.
Permanent wooden fencing has fallen down, leaving sharp spikes sticking dangerously out towards the path, and six inch nails can often be found sticking up from wooden blocks by the golf tee areas.
The area is popular with dog walkers and while the golf course takes up the majority of the land, the public are allowed to walk on it.
Peter Yeomans, who lives in nearby Suffolk Drive, walks his dog at Perdiswell on a regular basis and is concerned someone might seriously injure themselves.
He said: "Some of the stuff up there is very, very dangerous, just like an assault course really, and my wife has even been hit by a golf ball.
"If dog walkers want to throw a ball or a stick for their dog, they are not going to want to do it on a narrow path. Dogs running into the grass area could very easily trip or cut themselves on the wire, the same with humans. I am surprised no-one has injured themselves already."
Worcester Green Party member Neil Laurenson has been working to try and make the park safe.
He said: "I was genuinely shocked when I saw the fencing for myself. Bits of sharp wire are sticking out all over the place and there are lots of trip hazards."
After the Standard alerted the council to the problems at Perdiswell, development manager Alan New vowed to take immediate action. He said: "We were unaware of the problem and therefore I’m going to visit the site immediately to view the damage for myself, and to also discuss the matter with the contract manager for Leisure Connection who manage the site on our behalf.
"Once I’ve completed my inspection I’ll arrange for the necessary action to be taken to make sure the area is safe again.”