I UNDERSTAND a two-metre high fence is to be erected around the bowling green area in Whitehead Park, Elton.

The council has apparently decided to put up the fence to protect the bowling green from further vandalism.

The park is a public place for local people to enjoy in a relaxed communal atmosphere. A misguided minority view of how to deal with vandalism should not be allowed to detract from the open aspect of a public park which is enjoyed by adults and children alike.

Vandalism should be dealt with by the police, like any other unlawful act, rather than erecting a fence that would do Colditz proud!

The vandalism will just be re-directed from the bowling green to the fence itself and to the surrounding area and buildings.

The park is a public place, yet this fence would restrict access to anyone, other than bowling club members, to an area of paths and walkways which represent a large percentage of the park itself.

Depriving the public of legitimate access is not a deterrent to vandalism.

RESIDENT, Elton.

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