FED-UP residents are calling for the removal of builder’s fencing near a new development in Coleview, which they say is an eyesore.

The householders say the fencing was put up two years ago during demolition of a footbridge over the River Cole at the entrance to the Oakley Park development on the former St Joseph’s School site.

The footbridge has long been demolished and pedestrians cross the river via nearby Wagtail Close, but the fencing has remained on either side of the riverbank, apparently to stop people falling in.

Residents and Coun Julian Price (Lab, Covingham and Dorcan) want the fencing replaced with a permanent barrier.

Winston Cummins, 71, of Gayton Way, who has lived in the area for 45 years, said: “It’s an eyesore and also people keep throwing some of the fencing into the river.

“They should put a proper fence up there. At the moment, it’s just a mess and I think it should be tidied up.”

Coun Price said he understood from residents that the removal of the bridge was instigated by the Environment Agency, but the authority and the builder were discussing when the issue should be sorted out.

He said: “So they could do the work when they took the footbridge down, they put this piece of fencing up but they haven’t finished the job and taken it away and put a nice fence in.

“There’s some 4ft construction fencing and there’s some 6ft construction fencing, and it’s a real eyesore.

“ I have a lot of sympathy with the local residents.”

Meanwhile, fences are causing a problem for councillors and residents in Liden.

Former Labour councillor Peter Brown has called on the council to fix a hole in a fence in Barrington Close after fears a child could get hit by a car. Prior to 1980 the footpath from the school to Liden Centre led straight on to the road in Barrington Close and Peter fought for a fence to keep children safe. He said: “I am worried about it because people use it as a cut through and it is on to a busy road. “Some parents use it with their children but then other children follow and they could be hit if they go out on to the road. “We fought hard to get that fence put in place and would like to see it maintained.”