04/01/2011 06:30 AM
Metal railings have been erected on a residential street in Watford to protect the public from the deep-flowing river that runs alongside it.
According to the Watford Observer, Hertfordshire County Council and Barratt Homes will soon take over management of the footpath which runs through the Byewaters estate in Croxley Green.
In preparation for this, the black railings have been introduced to prevent people falling into the river.
Andrew Dawson, a spokesperson for the council, said railings were not used at other waterways in the region because they are classed as public open spaces, not highways.
He added: "We have a duty to ensure the highways are safe and this area has been identified as a safety risk," he told the newspaper.
"There is a considerable drop between the footway and river, which is deep flowing, so it is proposed to install ornate railings which are sympathetic to the surrounding area."
However, some residents are upset at the railings, and have started an online petition.
They say that no-one has fallen in the river in the 12 years since the estate was built.
Recently, temporary security fencing was installed on the banks of a river in Inverclyde after a stretch of barrier was damaged. The barrier was hanging over the water, leaving a clear gap over the river wall.
According to the Watford Observer, Hertfordshire County Council and Barratt Homes will soon take over management of the footpath which runs through the Byewaters estate in Croxley Green.
In preparation for this, the black railings have been introduced to prevent people falling into the river.
Andrew Dawson, a spokesperson for the council, said railings were not used at other waterways in the region because they are classed as public open spaces, not highways.
He added: "We have a duty to ensure the highways are safe and this area has been identified as a safety risk," he told the newspaper.
"There is a considerable drop between the footway and river, which is deep flowing, so it is proposed to install ornate railings which are sympathetic to the surrounding area."
However, some residents are upset at the railings, and have started an online petition.
They say that no-one has fallen in the river in the 12 years since the estate was built.
Recently, temporary security fencing was installed on the banks of a river in Inverclyde after a stretch of barrier was damaged. The barrier was hanging over the water, leaving a clear gap over the river wall.
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