FURIOUS residents fear the value of their homes could plummet dramatically if plans to erect a giant spiked fence in front of them goes ahead.

Moorhead High School has submitted a plan to put up an eight feet high galvanised steel perimeter fence along one side of its land - just 9 yards away from their homes.

Barry Trickett, one of the 13 objectors on Talbot Road, Accrington, said: "From the documents on view, the overall appearance of the fence, topped by spikes and with tightly packed bars, would be very detrimental to our area. It would be like a prison camp in one of Accrington's highest rated Council Tax areas. We are sure this would have a devastating effect on house prices in what has always been an unspoilt area of our town."

The 400-metre-long fence will replace a broken section of the existing four-feet high boundary.

Mr Trickett admitted that repairs were necessary for security reasons but he warned: "If intruders wanted to get into the school, they could easily walk either end of the proposed new fence and jump over.

"We are the only ones with an unobstructed view of both school buildings and, as part of our Neighbourhood Watch, regularly contact the police about intruders. We aim to be vigilant but how can we with this giant fence."

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "We are still in consultation process and would ask anyone with a view or objection to write in."

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