RAIL managers faced the wrath of furious residents yesterday (Wednesday) over “Guantanamo-style” fences that have gone up across the borough.
The heavy steel fencing, topped with metal spikes, have been put up along stretches of track and around railway bridges, including part of the Maiden Lane estate and Sandall Road, opposite Camden School for Girls in Camden Town.
Network Rail staff say the fences are needed to safeguard its staff and the public from acts of vandalism but residents argue that the heavy fencing gives the wrong message.
About 30 residents met rail managers in Sandall Road yesterday, with many accusing Network Rail of a failure of imagination.
Mitzi Golsorkhi-Ainslie, 15, head girl at Camden School for Girls, said: “We don’t want these fences by our school.
“We come to school and have our lessons and it’s like being in a prison space.”
Stuart McVernon, head of public affairs at Network Rail, said: “We will go away and look at the issue again. However, we can never compromise on safety issues.”
Labour councillor Gerry Harrison, who organised the meeting, said: “In view of the anger expressed by residents, I really hope the council will take enforcement action against the fences.”
Pictured: campaigners in front of one of the “Guantanamo” fences.