NEW security gates put up to protect a popular Colchester green space have been branded “hideous” by angry residents.

The bright yellow gates have been installed at the entrance to the King George Field in Lexden.

Residents believe they may have been put in place to stop unauthorised encampments on the site.

Ron Stott, who has lived next to the playing field since 1994, has labelled the new structure an eyesore.

Mr Stott, 59, said residents had not been given prior notice about the gates being fitted to the playing field.

He believes they will not act as a deterrent.

Mr Stott, of Clairmont Road, Colchester, said: “The new gates expose several feet, so if you were determined to get in, you wouldn’t knock the gates down, you would just knock the wooden fence down and then you have plenty of space.

“These gates also have a huge bar across the top so they can deter caravans – but when it comes to fire engines, they might need someone to unlock the top gate but it will delay their ability to get into the field.”

Mr Stott is unimpressed at the appearance of the gates. He said: “From my point of view, they’re absolutely hideous – if you are going to put something there that’s aesthetically pleasing, then you would rebuild the old gates.

“The council really have created themselves more of a problem than if they had maintained the gates already there – heaven forbit if they had done the same to Castle Park, because it would look absolutely horrible.”

Responding to the criticism, a spokesman for Colchester Council said: “After completing an audit of 60 sites across the borough, improvement works were identified at 17 priority locations to make them more secure.

“All of the new gates and height barriers are commonly used on open spaces throughout the UK… and enable the emergency services to unlock the gates, if and when required, as they have always been able to do.”