A CONTROVERSIAL security fence at a Guiseley school is being put up before planning permission has been granted, residents claim.

When workmen arrived at Guiseley Infant School yesterday, they found a resident had parked his car on part of the site in an attempt to obstruct the work.

However, workmen managed to dig a number of holes for fence posts and are due back on site today to put up the fence.

Leeds City Council want to put up the fence around part of the Oxford Road school as a security measure.

But Phillip Pratt, of Willow Gardens, Guiseley, whose home overlooks part of the site, said he understood that planning approval had yet to be given by Leeds City Council. A meeting of Leeds plans west is to be held on Tuesday, April 13.

"I was annoyed when workmen turned up and started digging holes on the site so I parked my car there in an effort to stop them. Planning approval for this fence has yet to be given by the city council and although there is a meeting next Tuesday it is not certain that the plan for the fence will be discussed," he said.

Mr Pratt said he and other residents were not in favour of the proposed fence which he thought would be an eyesore.

Coun Mike Dunn (Lab, Aireborough), a member of the planning committee said the fence was being put up for security reasons and to keep out children, vandals and dog walkers. The fence is to be a hooped top type of fence similar to the one which is in position on the school boundary in West Villa Road.

A spokesman for Farsley Fencing Ltd., Pudsey, said the firm was carrying out work given to them by Leeds City Council.

At the time of going to press Leeds City Council were unable to make a comment.

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