A PRIMARY school is facing opposition over plans to install "prison-style" perimeter fencing around its boundary.

Three residents have submitted objections to Layfield Primary School's proposal for a 2.4m palisade fence around the Everingham Road site in Yarm.

At the moment, the school does not have a boundary, apart from hedges and some fences from neighbouring gardens, but headteacher Graham Leck wishes to secure the premises to ensure safety of the children and the building.

But Paula Malone, of nearby Scugdale Close, Yarm, said: "The proposed security fence will not protect the whole school, so I do not see why an ugly fence should be put up to protect only certain areas of the school.

"Aesthetically, this will be an eyesore when viewed from my property, and it is not even going to protect the whole school."

She said if people wished to get into the school, they could easily do so.

Richard Baker, of Davenport Road, described the proposed fence as being of "prison-type appearance".

He added: "The proposal will affect the character of the area and create a long-term psychological effect on the schoolchildren."

Neil Mitchell, of Scugdale Close, said he objected to its height and its "severe design".

"It will make our small, rear garden look like a prison exercise yard," he added.

Planning officers at Stockton Borough Council believe the palisade fencing should not be used due to its unattractive nature.

And officers from Cleveland Police have previously said that palisade fencing marks a perimeter, but gives little security.

Officers said it was easy to breach, had sharp edges and offered little visibility when looking through at an angle, so, in their opinion, they deemed it inappropriate for schools.

But environmental health officers have no objection and the council's property development department said palisade fencing was regularly used on schools, was durable and easily repaired.

Headteacher Mr Leck was asked by the council to change the proposal to a wire mesh fence, instead of a palisade, but he declined due to financial reasons.

The issue will be heard by the council's planning committee tomorrow, but officers have recommended that a different type of fencing be used for the fence.

Mr Leck was yesterday unavailable for comment.