CONTROVERSIAL plans to erect 6ft-high fencing to enclose playing fields at Harrogate Grammar School have again been put on hold.

It had been expected that the issue would be dealt with at North Yorkshire County Council's planning committee in Northallerton on Tuesday.

But a spokesman for the county council said it was awaiting a report on the issue by North Yorkshire Police and was now expected to be decided by planners on December 13.

The issue was adjourned at a previous planning meeting so councillors could make a site visit.

Plans by the school to fence in the playing field have sparked protests from residents in the West End Avenue area, whose homes back on to the site.

A total of 80 letters objecting to the plan have been received, plus a protest petition signed by 66 people. There were six people in favour.

North Yorkshire County Council planning officers have recommended approval for the scheme, which would see the fence erected at the back of homes in West End Avenue, where there is currently open access to the playing fields.

Supporters of the fence express worries about a high incidence of anti-social behaviour out of school hours.

The fence is opposed by Harrogate Borough Council, which says free access should be maintained and that the fencing would be harmful to the conservation area.

Concern has also been expressed that a single access from West End Avenue would cause congestion at peak school times in an already busy road