NEIGHBOURS who feared their privacy and security was under threat when a fence was removed in preparation for a Tesco development have claimed victory after the supermarket giant finally agreed to their demands.
Residents in Selwyn Avenue in Highams Park had large trees at the bottom of their gardens knocked down and a chain link fence removed by Tesco to make way for housing which is being built alongside a new 24-hour store.
Tesco had originally proposed to replace the 10ft fence with a six foot timber one, but the offer was refused due to concerns over long term maintenance and safety concerns.
After gaining the support of Chingford MP Iain Duncan Smith and ward councillors, Tesco has now promised a new chainlink fence, as well as a timber fence on the Tesco side of the boudary.
Resident Jude Leighton, 43, said: “I’m absolutely delighted, it’s a happy ending. I do have to say that our local politicians and Iain Duncan Smith really supported us on this.
“It answers all our concerns because the timber fence will stop people looking in and the chainlink will keep the gardens and us secure.”
But neighbour Samantha Shrieves, 40, said worries remain over what steps Tesco will take to replace the trees which were removed.
“It was forestland with lots of trees providing a lovely view and it was great to be out in the garden with all the wildlife. But now without the trees the development is right at the bottom of our gardens, it looks a lot less pleasant,” she said.
Tesco is due to begin work next week and hopes to complete it before Christmas.
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