Meadow fence 'on hold'
Controversial plans to fence off a public playing field have been put on hold because of its huge cost.
Diss Cricket Club's plans to put the fence around Rectory Meadow in the town were revealed last summer in an attempt to curb anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
But club chairman Patrick Quick said: "The potential cost looks to be extremely high. However, we have to keep it on-line because we need to keep a close eye on what is going on in the meadow.
"Although we are not putting in fencing next week, we have got it in mind should it be necessary."
Mr Quick estimated the cost would be between 35,000 and 55,000.
"We would have to seek funding from appropriate sporting and public bodies and that takes a long time," he added.
In the near future, the club hopes to install CCTV as the club wants to make the pavilion available to "responsible groups" for hire as well as being a potential venue for a Diss women's hockey club.
Diss Town Council's amenities and services committee chairman Andrew Thurston said the town council's original view was not to have a fence as long as there was a "viable alternative."
He added: "As a council, we have to be seen to be supporting the leaseholder of the property. If, at the end of the day, we can't find an alternative solution it may have to be a fence."
He estimated the club would need three to four years to find the money needed.
Many residents have opposed the plans from the outset.
Rectory Meadow Action Group chairman Evan Heasley said: "We are pleased it is not going up for the time being.
"As far as the fence is concerned, we wouldn't want it even in three to four years time.
"We have always said the problems on the meadow are nowhere near as bad as is made out."
But Mr Quick said vandalism problems on the field persist, with poles used to rope off the area stolen and a gate lock damaged recently.
Diss Cricket Club has submitted a development plan to achieve ECB Clubmark status – a national benchmark for quality.
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Weather for Diss
Thursday 02 September 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
