Concerns over sudden erection of ‘dangerous’ fencing around Horsham woodland

The ancient woodland near Beech Road recreation ground has been used for decades by families walking in the area.

The woods - which are carpeted in bluebells each spring - adjoin Roffey farmland where developers sought to build 473 homes but failed to gain planning approval earlier this year.

A public right of way crosses the farm field.

Residents formed a protest group - Keep Our Green Spaces - to fight the proposals and members are now concerned for the safety of wildlife following the sudden erection of the barbed wire fencing.

They say the fencing is ‘dangerous’ and fear animals could be hurt by it. MAny are querying the reason why the fencing has been installed.

One campaigner, Julie Capas, said: “The fence is made up of three rows of barbed wire, which could easily cause injury to wildlife and dogs.”

Another campaigner, Heather Playfoot, said: “The community and wildlife have been able to enjoy the woods for decades.”

And she added: “It’s heartbreaking for so many of us ... the fields and woods have been our sanctuary, this year more than ever.”

Many residents have written protest letters to West Sussex County Council.

But a council spokeswoman said there was no public right of way through the woods. She said: “We have inspected the site today (December 14) and can confirm that the fencing is not blocking or restricting the Public Right of Way.

“A landowner has the right to fence off private land and we can only get involved if the fencing blocks or restricts a public right of way.

“As this fencing does not block the public right of way, we cannot take action in this situation.”