Diglis residents 'livid'' over plans to raise fence

People living at Albion Mill in Portland Street and boaters on Diglis Marina are protesting about the decision to raise a 1.5-metre fence to two metres, which will create a greater divide between them.

Some 100 Albion Mill residents will also be charged for the change.

Residents said Albion Mill's managing agents First Port's decision was made after "one or two" residents complained the two sides had been helping each other pass shopping bags over the fence. 

However, First Port said it was for safety reasons.

Boaters have to walk ten minutes with their shopping bags to go to where their narrowboats are due to the fencing and the Albion Mill development being in their way.

Before the development, they had direct access to their boats.

Boaters and residents grouped together today to oppose the plans. (Image: Newsquest)Some residents living in the Albion Mill flats have been helping lift boaters' shopping bags over the fence to save them from walking with the heavy bags.

Jon Bodenham, a resident in Albion Mill, said there has been no public consultation to check if residents are happy with the plans and each resident will be charged for it to be installed.

He added: "It is a significant cost, around £9,000 to £10,000, which is happening without any consultation with residents - just a notification that it is happening.

"I am just absolutely livid that a few complainants can actually enact something like this without consulting a wider body of residents.

"Why? Because once or twice a week someone helps someone else by handing a bag of shopping or two across a fence.

Boater Tony Wass next to his side of the fence, which is set to be risen by two meters. (Image: Newsquest)"What is the world coming to?

"Friends and neighbours, but this is not very neighbourly."

James Horman, the marina manager, added he would like to see harmonious living on both sides of the fence.

"These guys (Diglis boaters) had access previously before the Albion Hill development was done.

"This has then seen to have been taken away, and there are really a number of issues with that.

"For example, say there was a fire this side of the pontoon. Access may be needed and raising the fence may prevent that.

A spokesperson for property management company First Port said the fence was lifted for safety and security reasons to prevent trespassing and intimidating behaviour.

"Climbing over the fence as an access point to and from the canal presents a significant safety concern and is likely to cause extensive damage," it added.

"Previously, there has been damage around the fence which has had to be rectified at a cost to the residents of Albion Mill.

“We are aware of protestors obstructing the works, and a decision was taken to pause today’s works, while these objections are investigated further.”