A SCHOOL intends to install a perimeter fence around part of its field to keep out vandals and dogs.

When youngsters at Rift House Primary School, in Hartlepool, are to use the field, their teachers must do a sweep of the area, because dog mess, broken glass, cans and used condoms are scattered about.

Hartlepool Borough Council's planning committee heard that a 2.4-metre fence around a third of the field would keep unwanted people out and enable the youngsters to get the best use out of it.

The school is likely to put a football pitch inside the fence, where pupils can play in safety.

Planning officer Richard Teece told Wednesday's meeting that there had been four objections from residents in the Rift House area on the grounds that the mesh fence would:

* Be an eyesore

* Devalue surrounding properties

* Be too large

* Create access problems for some homes

* Affect daylight

But Mr Teece said the fence would be set back inside the school boundary by about 15 metres, to create a green margin between houses in Huxley Walk.

He said: "It is considered that the design and scale of the proposed fencing is acceptable from a visual amenity perspective and would not have a detrimental effect on the amenities of the neighbouring properties or the surrounding area."

Councillor Geoff Lilley suggested that if the fence be given the go-ahead, provision should be put in place to enable members of the community to use any school football pitches.

Councillor Stephen Belcher said: "I think this will provide an excellent playing space for the children. I welcome that."

However, Mr Teece said Sport England was likely to formally object to the plans on the basis that the fence would lead to a reduction in open space for the general public.

As a result, members approved the application, but said the final decision should be delegated to the development control manager. If Sport England officially object to the plans, it can then be referred to the Government Office North-East for consideration.