NEW fences and gates have been installed on an estate in South Shields to help older residents feel safer.
The metal fences were added to the low brick walls around bungalows in Grotto Road, Marsden.
The cash for the work – just over £14,000 – was secured from the East Shields and Whitburn Community Area Forum (CAF).
The fences are now helping to provide extra security for people in the area, many of whom are elderly.
Marsden councillor Sylvia Spraggon also thinks the new additions make the street look a lot nicer.
She said: “The walls which were already in place were very low; they were less than two feet in height.
“In addition, many of the bungalows had gates which were very old and twisted and they weren’t able to close properly.
“I think the work that’s been done really improves the look of the street and I know the residents we’ve chatted to are very pleased.”
For the last three years, similar projects have been carried out in neighbouring streets, as the required amount of cash needed became available through the CAF.
By having a higher perimeter around the bungalows it is hoped it will stop dogs from jumping into the front gardens.
Coun Spraggon said: “I know residents have had problems in the past with dogs jumping over the walls, because they’re so low. This should put an end to that.
“For the last three years now we have been carrying out similar work whenever we can, including in Lizard Lane and Fallow Road.
She added: “We’ve had to wait until the funding becomes available through the CAF, so it can’t all be done at once, but we’re getting there slowly but surely.”
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