Council's U-turn as Wammy fence plan ditched

More than 40 residents objected to proposal

- Phil Corrigan

CONTROVERSIAL plans to install a fence around The Wammy have been scrapped following public opposition.

Newcastle Borough Council wanted to put up a two-metre fence and four-metre high netting around the site, off Lower Milehouse Lane, to stop bikers damaging the football pitches.

But its application received more than 40 objections from neighbours, who said the fence would make the site less accessible, while an online petition against the proposals has been signed by 158 people.

The council has now withdrawn the plans, saying it will look at other ways of protecting The Wammy.

The Wammy recently received a £1.6 million pavilion with changing rooms and community facilities, operated by Newcastle Town FC.

But the site has been plagued with antisocial behaviour, including people riding quad bikes and dirt bikes across the pitches and dog fouling.

Under the now-withdrawn plans, the fence and netting would have surrounded most of The Wammy, with several unlocked pedestrian access gates around the perimeter.