"Don't fence me in!"

A forest of unattractive fences springing up in Christchurch has spurred two community groups into action.

The National Council of Women and Keep Christchurch Beautiful are running a “Think Fencing” campaign to encourage residents and developers to build low or open fences - or none at all.

The groups are concerned about the number of fortress- like fences creating “bleak suburban corridors and fragmented neighbourhoods”.

They realise that fences are sometimes needed to act as buffers against noise and traffic fumes; to provide privacy and protection for children and pets, however  they want “open, friendly streetscapes”.

They have produced an information kit covering a range of fencing issues such as safety, shared fencing, rules for boundary fencing and materials.

“It will help people choose a fence design - or no fence at all - that enhances the property, beautifies the street and allows for neighbours to watch out for each other’s security and well- being,” says Peggy Kelly, chairperson of the National Council of Women environment committee.

The kits are available free of charge at the Civic Offices on Tuam Street and are soon to be available through service centres and libraries.