Dog-walker says 'dangerous' barbed wire is a threat to children, pets and pedestrians in Kibworth

The barbed wire runs alongside a popular playground – and near to Kibworth Primary School
By Philip Hibble
Published 23rd Nov 2020, 16:54 BST
Updated 23rd Nov 2020, 16:58 BST
Linda Knighton said the tangled-up fencing in Kibworth Beauchamp posed a serious threat to children as well as pet-owners, dogs and pedestrians.Linda Knighton said the tangled-up fencing in Kibworth Beauchamp posed a serious threat to children as well as pet-owners, dogs and pedestrians.
Linda Knighton said the tangled-up fencing in Kibworth Beauchamp posed a serious threat to children as well as pet-owners, dogs and pedestrians.

A dog-walker is calling for “dangerous” barbed wire in a Harborough village to be removed urgently.

Linda Knighton, 52, said the tangled-up fencing in Kibworth Beauchamp posed a serious threat to children as well as pet-owners, dogs and pedestrians.

The mum-of-three said the barbed wire runs alongside a popular playground in Warwick Park – and near to Kibworth Primary School.

Linda Knighton said the tangled-up fencing in Kibworth Beauchamp posed a serious threat to children as well as pet-owners, dogs and pedestrians.Linda Knighton said the tangled-up fencing in Kibworth Beauchamp posed a serious threat to children as well as pet-owners, dogs and pedestrians.
Linda Knighton said the tangled-up fencing in Kibworth Beauchamp posed a serious threat to children as well as pet-owners, dogs and pedestrians.

“This wire is very sharp and very exposed and it’s become very dangerous.

“The problem has arisen since some trees were chopped down in our park,” said Linda, who lives nearby.

“The barbed wire must have served a purpose once years ago but it doesn’t any more.

“This part of the village is very busy.

Linda Knighton said the tangled-up fencing in Kibworth Beauchamp posed a serious threat to children as well as pet-owners, dogs and pedestrians.Linda Knighton said the tangled-up fencing in Kibworth Beauchamp posed a serious threat to children as well as pet-owners, dogs and pedestrians.
Linda Knighton said the tangled-up fencing in Kibworth Beauchamp posed a serious threat to children as well as pet-owners, dogs and pedestrians.

“I walk my two beagles, Bailey and Harley, along there and I’m not the only one by any means.

“It’s very popular with local dog-walkers.

“And a lot of children, including the schoolkids, play in the trees and the hedge there.

“This vicious barbed wire is tangled up in the hedge – and it could rip a child or a pet dog wide open,” warned Linda, a specialist organ donations nurse.

“I’ve raised this problem with our parish council here.

“But they say it’s down to Harborough District Council.

“The dark winter nights are closing in fast.

“It’s getting harder and harder to see the wire sticking out – making it an even bigger danger.

“It’s a public nuisance and it needs taking down and removing totally as soon as possible.”

Cllr Kevin Feltham, who sits on both Kibworth Beauchamp and Kibworth Harcourt parish councils, said: “This wire was erected years ago to help keep in cattle.

“I’d like to see it taken away as well.

“We have just had to wait for Harborough council to assume responsibility for this land.

“But it will be safer all round for local people when this wire is removed.”

A Harborough council spokesman said they aim to remove the barbed wire in the next week or so.

“We appreciate the resident’s concerns,” he said.

“And, having recently taken on this land from the parish council, we will be looking to remove this wire fencing over the coming days.”

Related topics:Harborough