A CHURCH in Boscombe is applying for planning permission to erect new fencing in a bid to deter thieves and trespassers.

Corpus Christi Church in St James Square wants to build a new fence, measuring 1.8m high in order to restrict access to a feature pond to maintenance staff only via an access gate.

The fencing would also provide additional security around the church’s lead cone feature to prevent thieves.

The existing stainless steel and glass fence is around 0.9m high, but the church wants the new fence to match the height of the neighbouring Corpus Christi primary school’s fence.

The supporting statement of the planning application says: “The proposed fencing is to be erected around the feature pond, which is part of the building drainage system and cone structure to provide additional security to prevent trespassing in the pond, lead theft from the cone, and reduce the risks to the school children who have trespassed into this area.”

As well as new fencing, the church also wants to erect new, illuminated signage as the building’s “current small sign” at the bottom of the drive is “easily overlooked”.

The application states on “numerous occasions taxis have driven past the building and left unable to find the entrance” and “emergency vehicles including ambulances have struggled to identify the building, which has delayed their arrival time.”