Anti-crime fencing for shops site

The 2.4m high fence is intended to enclose the service yard at the Bognor Regis Retail Park.

A planning application to put in the fence has been submitted to Arun District Council on behalf of site owner Zurich Assurance by the company's planning agent, Samac Construction.

Six retailers such as Matalan, Lidl and Halfords occupy the units at the retail park at the junction of Shripney Road and Rowan Way.

But the premises, built about 20 years ago, have suffered from vandalism because of the open nature of the location.

A statement by Samac with the planning application states: 'The problem that has arisen over recent years is that of security and safety within the service area to the rear of the retail units.

'At present, members of the public can freely enter the private service and delivery area.'

This causes confusion during the day as shoppers mistake the busy area for a car park to create potential safety problems, the statement comments.

'By night, a number of incidents of theft, vandalism and anti social behaviour have occurred. Furthermore, there is an effective alleyway around the rear of the site, which has encouraged anti social behaviour.

'In summary, the open nature of which is a private service yard has led to perpetual security and safety problems.

'The security fencing is necessary to ensure the security of the retail operations on the site and to ensure public safety is maintained.'

The height of the proposed fence was the minimum needed to ensure security. Its design was intended to blend in with the look of the retail park, added Samac.