Petition over Diss fence plan

A residents' group fighting plans to put up new fencing around the Diss cricket ground is gearing up its campaign. The Rectory Meadow Action Group has amassed more than 500 signatures on a protest petition and will be inviting people to add their names at a stall, outside the former Woolworth's store in Mere Street, from 10am to noon on Saturday January 31.

A residents' group fighting plans to put up new fencing around the Diss cricket ground is gearing up its campaign.

The Rectory Meadow Action Group has amassed more than 500 signatures on a protest petition and will be inviting people to add their names at a stall, outside the former Woolworth's store in Mere Street, from 10am to noon on Saturday January 31.

The town council is responsible for the meadow and has agreed to put up the fence around the boundary, and alongside a public pathway, following complaints from the cricketers about problems with vandalism and dog fouling.

The site has been used for generations as an informal recreation area, having also served as a sports meadow for the adjoining junior school and a venue for gymkhanas and other events.

The objectors claim the new fence will be an eyesore, and are also concerned that access will be restricted to one gated entrance leading off Skelton Road. This is designed to combat vandalism, although the council has said there will still be public access to the meadow as the gate will not be locked.