Social club fencing upgraded under the Safer Streets initiative

Background

Built in 1920, Westgate Ward Social Club in Ipswich is a multi-functional venue for weddings, parties, local community meetings, sports clubs, dog training, baby groups, school events, corporate events, and even film shoots. The venue is highly popular and offers a great place for socialising and community events, however unfortunately it was plagued by anti-social behaviour from a small minority in the community.

It nestles in the centre of a Victorian Conservation area. The car parks and sports field attached to the building were surrounded by concrete slab fencing and dilapidated boundaries. The opaque construction of these boundaries allowed anti-social activities to continue by using these walls as cover from the Community Safety CCTV System that had been installed to help protect the community. Whilst concrete is a durable material, the combination of these concrete products created a visually dull and uninviting background. In addition, being an inflexible material, gaps that form over time between the concrete slabs from weathering and ground shifts create a security and safety risk. Gaps in the fence create a ladder effect meaning it is much easier to climb, whilst also creating a finger trap hazard for guests - including children - innocently attending events at the club. Angle iron posts and barbed wire strands had previously been installed above the fencing to counteract any climbing, resulting in the appearance of the fencing becoming even more gloomy. The eco-credentials of concrete are also low, which is an important consideration within modern construction projects.

Suffolk Police Design Out Crime Officer (DOCO), Lucy Mures, discussed these concerns with Jacksons Fencing. It was clear that this important hub of the community needed improved designed perimeter protection that would provide the required security, increase visibility and remove areas that could offer cover from the Community Safety CCTV. Any solution also needed to take into account and conform to the Victorian Conservation area requirements.

At Jacksons, we specialise in offering physical security solutions which are not only secure, but also incorporate the preferred aesthetics. With the right combination of quality materials and fixings, the correct design, exceptional installation, sustainability and longevity assured by lengthy guarantees, it is possible to have anti-climb and vandal resistant security fences/railings that also look good. Whilst a secure perimeter is necessary for more and more businesses today, considering aesthetics in the design and specification process is essential to ensuring towns and cities don’t become overrun with hostile spikes and uninspired, distasteful fencing.