ANGRY Barmouth residents say that a “monstrous” new fence has left them feeling as if they are living in a prison compound.

Residents in Cumberland Place are dismayed over a green fence, erected by Network Rail alongside the town’s railway line, which they say is “out of character with its surroundings”.

They also claim it was installed with little or no public consultation.

Susan Wattis, who lives adjacent to the new fencing, said the construction had spoiled her view and devalued her property.

She said: “The fencing has been completed within the last couple of weeks and it is with great disappointment that I, as a resident of one of the houses in Cumberland Place, now have to overlook this monstrosity.

“Thank you Network Rail for making me feel like I live in a prison compound.

“My garden is very small, probably about 25 feet at the very most, and this fencing has now made me feel completely enclosed and fenced in.

“How would Network Rail staff feel if this were to happen within a few feet of their property?”

“Barmouth is a picturesque town full of character, with lovely stone buildings and strict planning regulations including roofs being only of slate,” she added.

“Along comes Network Rail to erect a fence on top of a stone built wall, with an ultimate height of nine feet, which is completely out of character with its surroundings.

“This is a conservation area, how was this allowed to happen?”

Read the full story in today’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News