PROBLEMS with vandalism and litter are forcing a St Neots school to secure its grounds with a 2.4m (7ft 8in) high fence. While St Neots Community College believes the move will prevent damage to school buildings, nearby residents hope it may also cut back

PROBLEMS with vandalism and litter are forcing a St Neots school to secure its grounds with a 2.4m (7ft 8in) high fence.

While St Neots Community College believes the move will prevent damage to school buildings, nearby residents hope it may also cut back on the amount of litter dropped in the area.

Nicola Anderson, the college's business manager, said: "The proposed fence will be a welcome addition to our college campus.

"It will provide us with an even greater level of security for our students and all those who use our site.

"Naturally, the fence will also help to diminish vandalism and its consequential costs to out college."

Both residents and councillors representing the area are said to be annoyed about the amount of litter being left on the school's playing field and nearby footpaths.

St Neots town councillor Diana Collins, who lives in Eynesbury, told The Hunts Post, the amount of litter on the school grounds was "appalling."

"There is a bad problem with litter on the school playing field and the paths around the school. It is disgraceful," she said. "You find everything - crisp wrappers, cans and sweet papers that have been thrown on the floor."

She added: "It is worse when the pupils are at school and I would honestly say the pupils are dropping it."

She said that it has been an ongoing issue at the school in Barford Road and about two years ago she took part in a litter pick with pupils in a bid to clear up the problem.

Fellow town councillor Doug Terry, who represents the Eynesbury ward, agreed with Cllr Collins and said he had had complaints from parents about the amount of litter on the school grounds.

He added that he welcomed a boundary fence around the school to help reduce the problem.

The college still needs to get planning permission for the fence, but if given the go-ahead the fence would be painted black at the front and green at the sides and rear to try and blend into the surrounding landscape.

Mayor of St Neots Cllr Bob Eaton said he supported the plan as it would make the school safer.

"The grounds have always been wide open and a fence would make the school a safer and more secure place for pupils."

However, Cllr Collins said a new fence would not solve all the litter problems.

"For it to work they need to put up a fence that would not allow rubbish to blow through it."

A decision on the school's application is expected by March 21.