Anger as noisy riverside fence ‘obliterates’ views
Following complaints from residents of the neighborhood, changes will be made to the fences of the train station near the Golden Horn.
Network Rail replaced the panels at Starcross in April after the previous fence on the platform next to the River Exe failed.
But people in the Devon village have raised safety concerns that the panels block views of the river leading to the Channel and create an annoying whistling sound when wind blows through the panels.
Following the feedback, Network Rail said it was reviewing the design and would carry out additional works at the station.
Stuart Greenslade, who lives opposite the station, said he felt the new panels posed a danger as he had witnessed children climbing on them on two separate occasions.
He added that the view for people living near the station was deteriorated.
Greenslade said: “They look pretty utilitarian and no thought has been given to the landscape.
“We had such a beautiful view here, and it’s slowly disappearing.”
‘Quite offensive’
Neighborhood resident Hugh Studder said he didn’t think the design was appropriate for the area.
“It’s beautiful here and elsewhere [design] “It would look great, but I don’t believe it does here,” he said.
“I don’t want to be corny or anything, but I find this pretty offensive.”
Georgina Vye agreed that the panels should be removed.
“They should put something in there that is similar to the original, safer and also doesn’t carry the noise pollution that we’re getting from these fences now,” he added.
Network Rail said it understood the concerns expressed locally.
It was stated that the new panels are stronger and more durable than the previous fences, but changes will be made.
“Infill panels will be featured flush with the posts and a fine mesh will be installed within these sections to reduce the visual impact of these changes,” a spokesman said.
“In response to the concerns raised, this work will begin as soon as possible to ensure the safety of the station for everyone.”
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