CONCERNED residents fear plans to put up a 2m high metal fence around a Canvey caravan park will leave the view from their homes looking like a prison camp.

But management at Thorney Bay Caravan Park said the fence is needed to keep out troublemakers who gather on the park.

They have submitted an application to Castle Point Council to put up the galvanised steel fence along the northern, eastern and southern boundaries of the park.

There is already a fence along the western boundary.

Objecting to the proposal, Paul Glasson, of Thorney Bay Road, said: “Such a fence would be an eyesore. It would dominate the streetscene view and make the site appear very much like a prison camp.”

Angela Dunn, also of Thorney Bay Road, writing on behalf of herself and her husband, Edmund, states: “The park owner wishes to put up a 2m high metal fence.

“In our opinion, this is totally unacceptable. Not only is it not in keeping with the area and environment, the outlook from our property would be like a prison camp.”

There would be several access gates in the fence allowing for pedestrian access most of the time, but it would be locked at certain hours.

Jeff King, park owner, said: “They would be locked when it suits us.

“This is a security fence to keep people out who we don’t want in here.

“Our residents get blamed for causing trouble, but they are not responsible.

“We are trying to put things right.”