A bank in the heart of the Isle of Wight’s county town wants to put spikes on its roof to stop people climbing on it.
HSBC, on the corner of St James Street and Pyle Street, in Newport, is seeking permission to install rotating metal security spikes on the edge of its wall that connects with CEX.
People have climbed up wall from one store to the other
Currently, there is a parapet wall between the two flat roof levels which people have used to climb up from one store to the other.
The anti-climb spikes, which could be powder-coated black and mounted to the parapet wall, could provide security to the roof, HSBC hopes.
An issue highlighted by police
In recent years, problems with adults and youths climbing on shop roofs in Newport has been an issue highlighted by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
The police force appealed to parents to explain the dangers of going onto shop roofs to their children.
A significant risk of serious injury
While there may be damage caused to the roofs, police said there was also a significant risk of serious injury to the children.
Planning documents for the national bank say it does not envisage the spikes would have a major impact on the building.
View the plans
You can view the plans, 23/01836/FUL, on the Isle of Wight council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until 24th November 2023.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
