NEW security measures were due to get the go-ahead today in a bid to cut down on vandalism and crime at a Pendle high school. .

County councillors were recommended to grant permission for an eight foot high metal security fence at Walton High, Nelson, during a meeting of Lancashire County Council's development control sub-committee.

The fence will link the main building and two outbuildings to form a secure barrier to prevent vandals and thieves from targeting the school.

Head David Farrant explained: "Effectively we are creating a perimeter to link the buildings to make the school more secure.

"The aim is to reduce the incidents of vandalism during out-of-school times and at the weekends.

"You tend to get a spate of vandalism and then things go quiet again. We had a particular problem a couple of years ago.

"Of late there have been relatively few incidents but that is not to say it won't happen in the future. We felt there was a need to provide greater security.

"We are taking a responsible approach to the reality of the situation."

A report to the committee said the fencing would also protect the school, pupils and staff while the school is in session and prevent free access from the playing fields at the back of the main building.

Construction of the fence will be limited to between 7.30am and 6.30pm Mondays to Fridays and 7.30am to 1pm Saturdays to avoid disturbing nearby residents.

Walton has already invested in security cameras and lighting to crack down on crime and vandalism.

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