NEIGHBOURS who fear their privacy and security will be lost if fencing around a new Tesco development is removed have turned down an offer of a compromise from the supermarket giant.
Families in Selwyn Avenue, Highams Park, have already seen large trees at the bottom of their gardens removed by Tesco, to make way for housing being built alongside a new 24-hour superstore.
They recently met with Tesco, over concerns that replacing the 10ft chain link fence separating their homes from the development with a lower six-feet timber fence would compromise their security, as tenants in the new properties would clearly see into their homes.
The supermarket's representatives offered to make the timber fence as high as the chain link, but residents have reject it for the time being, while they seek assistance from Chingford and Woodford Green MP, Iain Duncan Smith on the issue.
Samantha Shrieves, 40, said: “We still want our chain link fence because people are concerned that a timber fence would be difficult to maintain because it is more likely to get worn."
The residents have been told the chain link fence is in a bad state of repair, but they claim it was damaged by contractors when they cleared the site, off Larkshall Road.
They say they want a new chain link fence to replace the damaged areas and would be prepared to maintain it themselves.
Ms Shrieves added: “We never had any problems with our chain link fence until it fell down into some homes and we can still grow ivy and other plants around it to retain our privacy.”
A letter to Mr Duncan Smith says: “Selwyn Avenue residents are not happy to have the existing chain link fence replaced by a timber fence.
“Our request is that the existing chain link fence is replaced with a new chain link fence to approximately one meter higher than the one that is there.
“Clearly a chain link fence would be much more durable for us and we would be happy to have this fence gifted to us and take responsibility for the long-term maintenance.”
Another resident, Jude Leighton, 43, said: “Tesco have met with us and were prepared to listen for which we are grateful for, but we still have our requirements."
The residents are also requesting for a timber fence to be built on the other side of their chain link fence, which would provide some privacy, until they are able to grow climbing plants.
Iain Duncan Smith said: “I have written to the Council about this matter.
"Highams Park residents have had an unwanted development imposed upon them which will cause huge disruption to their lives.
"They are making two very reasonable requests which would improve the quality of their lives, about the fence itself and the replacement of the trees at the backs of their properties, and I very much hope the Council will view these requests favourably.”
Tony Fletcher, the Corporate Affairs Manager for Tesco commented: "We had a constructive meeting with local residents and as a result, have offered that the wooden replacement for our chain-link fence will be increased in height as well as providing trellising on top to help encourage planting.
"The new fence will be constructed to a high quality specification with a 15 year warranty and, as agreed, we are putting up some sample panels so that residents can see what it will be like."
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