A CONTROVERSIAL fence being built around playing fields at a Cwmbran school will help to safeguard children, say the school’s headteacher and chair of governors.

More than 250 local residents have signed a petition opposing the fence at Croesyceiliog School because they claim it looks like a prison fence and will prevent them using the fields to walk their dogs and play sports.

Headteacher Sarah Logan and chair of governors Colin Crick say the fields are owned by the school and used by pupils for sports and at breaktimes, but some local people disrupt lessons by walking their dogs and driving motorcycles across the pitches during the school day.

There is no public right of way through the school’s grounds and once building work on the fence is complete the fields will be closed to everyone but school pupils.

Campaigners say the seven feet high metal fence will be an eyesore, but the school says Torfaen council advised it on the positioning and appearance of the fence.

A Facebook group opposing the fence, called No To the Planned Prison Fence for Croesy School Fields. has been set up by neighbours opposing the plans and around 50 people held a protest at the site at the end of last month.

They said up to 100 people a day have been using the fields for more than 50 years and refer to them as "our community fields".

The school provides some facilities for the public outside school hours, including archery, youth and rugby clubs.