Fence lasts just five hours before being ripped out

A new fence lasted just five hours before being ripped out in broad daylight, according to a councillor.

The wooden fence in Middlesbrough was installed at about 14:00 BST on 18 August, but by 19:00 it had vanished.

Longlands and Beechwood independent Joan McTigue said a resident who reported the removal had been walking his dog when he discovered it was gone.

McTigue said the same fence had previously been removed and she had to "hound" the council, even escalating the issue to its chief executive, to get it replaced. The Labour-led council thanked residents for reporting issues.

She said she had repeatedly called for a metal gate instead, warning the gap was wide enough for a car and could allow quad bikes and other vehicles into the field.

The council installed a concrete block at the site on Wednesday to prevent vehicle access.

A spokesperson for Middlesbrough Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that fences and gates were there to "protect the public and safeguard our green open spaces".

"We are grateful to residents for reporting issues to us as they arise," they added.

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