Anti-vandal defence to protect fire escape

By jnewton

ANTI-VANDAL technology could be used to protect a fire escape which is at risk of arson, the council says.

Mesh fencing is earmarked for a wood-panelled external staircase situated at Clifton Road Youth Centre.

The fencing is fireproof, climb-proof and designed to be impervious to wire and bolt-cutters.

But for the scheme to go ahead, planning chiefs must be satisfied that green paint applied to the fencing would blend into neighbouring Sutton Park.

A planning department spokesman said: "Due to the discreet location of the staircase and its constructive material, it has been the subject of frequent bouts of vandalism, including the risk of arson and the general destruction of council-owned property.

"By replacing the bottom 2.3-metre section of the cedar-clad area with the new fencing it reduces the risk of future vandalism at the site."

The city council's planning committee considered the application on Thursday. As the Observer went to press, members were being recommended by department officers to approve the scheme.

A spokesman said: "The fencing would be galvanised in green and would therefore blend into the natural surroundings.

"The proposed replacement of the cedar cladding with the green fencing would not appear obtrusive when viewed within the setting of Sutton Park."