Mum angry at delay over fence repairs

Buy photos » Liz Goggin and her son Liam, four, in their garden. Picture by Marcus Mingins 0512022MMR

A CHARFORD mother is furious after being told by Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT) it could take four months or longer to replace her fence.

The fence fell down on December 29, exposing Liz Goggin’s garden to an open road.

She said when she contacted BDHT’s emergency number, the workmen who came out said it was too big a job to do there and then, and put up temporary fencing.

But Mrs Goggin, who has three children aged four, seven and 13, said the temporary fence was flimsy and that a new bike and scooters the youngsters had received for Christmas had been stolen.

‘’The fence is not fit for purpose as it can be removed easily and is not safe for the children as it’s just spikes pushed into mud.

“Its a constant worry my children could just walk out into the road.

“This has been very stressful on the family as the garden is not secure by any means and therefore can’t be used.

“I have had to explain and deal with the children’s upset that their new bike and scooters they had for Christmas have been stolen.’’

Peter Shorrock, from BDHT, said the community repairs team attended promptly and put up temporary fencing to make the area safe and define the property boundary.

“The resident has been informed large scale fence replacements can be carried out more practically and efficiently outside of the winter period, and therefore a full and permanent fence replacement will be carried out this coming April as part of wider works throughout the area.”

He added, if Mrs Goggin had further concerns about the temporary fencing, the community repairs team would re-visit the property and discuss the issue.