A TROUBLED primary school is set to be given the thumbs-down as it bids to throw up a ring of steel to improve security before the new term starts.

Hyndburn planning bosses will discuss plans to erect a new fence at St Mary's RC Primary School, Clayton-le-Moors, when they meet tonight.

But they are likely to send the proposals back to the drawing board, fearing objections from residents that the barrier would create an eyesore.

The school lodged the application after suffering a series of vandalism attacks since Easter, causing more than £1,000 worth of damage.

But a report to councillors recommends blocking the plan to put up a 2.4m high fence to replace the current chain-link fence.

Members have instead been asked to advise county council education chiefs that a lower fence and a line of trees would be more appropriate.

The report states: "The fence is required to reduce the amount of unauthorised access into the school grounds.

"In acknowledging the problems this is causing, it is felt the fence would be intrusive when seen from Whalley Road.

"A maximum height of two metres would be more appropriate, coloured green or brown, together with the provision of planting to soften the appearance of the fence."

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