Anger as fencing left at Exeter beauty spot sparks fly-tipping claims

Metal fence panels and plastic barriers left at an Exeter beauty spot will be collected as soon as the rain stops.

People using the popular walking tracks around Leafland, a riverside woodland area near Trews Weir, were angry after the barriers were left alongside a path.

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Local resident Francesco Ferrari contacted Exeter’s Labour MP, Steve Race, as well as his local councillors to complain.

He wrote: “It seems that National Grid and Nooko have abandoned some building material in one of the few natural spaces in Exeter.

“Clearly the works have ended, as the fencing has been lying there in a state of abandonment for some time, my estimate is over a year, if not more, and no work is currently being carried out.”

Mr Ferrari said it amounted to ‘fly-tipping’ and should be removed.

A National Grid Electricity Distribution spokesperson said the barriers would be removed as soon as possible.

They added: “The extensive wet weather has meant a delay, as we don’t want to cause damage to the parkland by bringing a vehicle on site in the waterlogged conditions.

“In the meantime, the fencing has been stacked neatly for collection. We’d like to thank people using the area for their patience.”

Max Sayers, a director of local development company Nooko, said: “We have been contacted multiple times about this due to National Grid taking our fence panels to cordon off a high-voltage cable that is now above ground.”

He said he would collect the Nooko sign but could not take away the fencing as it was keeping people away from the cable.

Nooko is the company currently redeveloping the Royal Clarence Hotel site in the city centre.