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Rail firm drops ‘Guantanamo’ fence

UGLY metal spikes on fences along rail tracks in Camden have been removed after complaints that they made areas look like prison camps.
The heavy steel security fencing, topped with plastic “raptor” spikes, went up in February along stretches of rail track and around bridges.
Network Rail bosses said the fences were needed to safeguard its staff and the public from vandalism.
But residents said the “Guantanamo-style” fences gave out the wrong message. Pupils at Camden School for Girls in Sandall Road, Camden Town, protested about the fences near their school.
In May, rail bosses met residents and Labour councillor Gerry Harrison to review the fencing. After consulting health and safety advisors and British Transport Police, they have now agreed to remove the spikes in lower-risk areas.
Last week railway staff began taking down the spikes on top of fences in Lismore Circus, Grafton Road, Sandall Road, Agar Grove and the Maiden Lane estate.
A Network Rail spokeswoman said: “After much consideration and consultation, we have decided to make some alterations to reflect the wishes of the community.”
She added: “It is important to stress that these locations will be closely monitored, and should any further incidents of trespass or vandalism occur we will have no choice but to reinstate the spikes.
“Safety is first priority and we have an obligation to protect the safety of the railway and those who use it.”
Cllr Harrison hailed the news as a “partial victory” but said he would be continuing his discussions with Network Rail.
He added: “They accept that the spikes were a step too far, which is why they are removing them.
“But I think the whole design of the fences is outrageous. I would like to see them taken down entirely and replaced with something more acceptable.”
Pictured: Pupils from Camden School for Girls outside one of the fences after the controversial spikes had been removed.



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