It is an unfortunate feature of our times that more premises require highly-visible security measures to protect them against thieves and vandals. Indeed, insurance companies are increasingly insisting on such precautions before they will provide cover.

The result is not always aesthetically pleasing, with shop fronts covered with stark security screens and spiked fences going up around buildings. They do not enhance the appearance of the district in which they are situated but are coming to be regarded as a necessary evil.

There seems to be no doubt that drastic action needed to be taken at Birch Lane Medical Centre in West Bowling, which had been repeatedly targeted by vandals. Tiles were taken from the roof, drainpipes damaged and windows broken and there were fears that the computers might be stolen - as has happened at other medical centres around Bradford.

However, an £8,000 fence erected around the surgery a year ago put a stop to all that. Dr Mohammed Ansari says it has brought them peace of mind. Unfortunately for the practice, the work was done without planning permission and now Council planners have refused to grant it retrospectively - even though Dr Ansari says there have been no complaints about it from either the patients or neighbours.

It will be a great shame if the Council insists that the fence be removed. It clearly is serving its purpose very effectively.

It is to be hoped that the planners can work with the practice to see what modifications can be made - perhaps something as simple as a coat of paint - to reduce the visual impact of the fence and allow it to stay in place.