CAMPAIGNERS living near the railway station in Meols are celebrating after the council ordered removal of a fence slammed as a 'blot on the landscape'.

During a planning meeting last night, councillors rejected a retrospective application for the fence - measuring 112 metre long and 1.8 metres high - which faces the homes of residents in Birkenhead Road.

Merseyrail said the fence had been installed 'as a gesture of goodwill' to replace an existing one in poor condition, following reports of anti-social behaviour and unauthorised access to a local sports club adjoining the railway.

A spokesman said Merseyrail was working the council to resolve the matter and a find a more suitable alternative for the fence.

Conservative councillor for Hoylake and Meols Alison Wright was contacted by residents and brought the matter to the Council's planning committee for action.

Cllr Wright said: "With the current restrictions on movement, residents have been left with no alternative but to face this monstrosity from their living rooms.

"While we were unable to collect a door-to-door petition, enough people made their views known to warrant action.

"I am delighted a majority of members of the planning committee agreed and refused Merseyrail's attempt to leave the fence as it is.

"This industrial style fence is on a green belt area near Birkenhead Road in Meols and bordering the fishing pond and is totally unacceptable.

"I wholeheartedly thank the committee for their decision and wish to work with Merseyrail and residents to consider a more suitable fence that is sympathetic to the character of this special place."

Councillor Wright has now contacted Merseytravel, and Merseyrail to urge them to act on the Planning Committee’s decision.

Greg Suligowski, Merseyrail's head of communications, told the Globe: "At Merseyrail we regularly work closely with all councils and partners within the Liverpool City Region on a variety of issues.

"This particular fence was installed as a gesture of goodwill to replace an existing fence which was in a poor condition, following reports of anti-social behaviour and unauthorised access to a local sports club adjoining the railway.

"The decision was made with the safety of the local community in mind and a retrospective planning permission application was submitted to the council.

"Following this decision, we are actively engaging with Wirral Council to resolve the matter."