Barnstaple gates cause controversy

26/10/2009

A set of gates installed to stop schoolchildren using an alleyway in Barnstaple as a shortcut have proved controversial.

Residents of Prospect Place erected six-foot high gates topped with spikes to prevent pupils at Park Community School from using the alley as a thoroughfare, the North Devon Journal reports.

However, the measure does not appear to have had the desired effect as children are still climbing over the fence, leading to injury fears.

"I understand why the residents have installed the gates but I have serious concerns about its design," Park Community School headteacher David Atton told the paper.

"The top is extremely sharp and I am concerned that before long there will be a serious accident when a child tries to climb over it."

Barnstaple is not the only place where gates have caused a stir in recent weeks, after Leeds residents were reportedly outraged by a council decision to paint the Cross Gates sculpture in Manchester United colours.