Rail security fence 'an eyesore'

A newly erected fence near a railway line in Surrey has sparked anger among residents who have said it looks as though it has come from a prison camp.

Network Rail said the 6ft-high structure in the village of Gomshall was required to prevent people and animals from getting on the line.

But Annette Jones, whose garden backs onto the tracks, said she thought the fencing was a bit extreme.

"It's bright green, with white concrete posts, and is an eyesore," she said.

'Patience required'

"It's the first thing that draws your eye on looking out of the window - it's spoiling the whole view.

"The fence they had before was perfectly adequate... and is standing there behind [the new one]."

Ms Jones explained that there was a very high embankment with lots of trees at the bottom of her garden.

"There's very little possibility of anyone coming into my garden and scrambling up the embankment to get to the railway."

In a statement, Network Rail said: "The old fence was well camouflaged because it had lots of vegetation growing over it.

"We are replanting vegetation so a little patience is required while nature takes over and this grows."