A fence that stood just inches from a house's main downstairs window, blocking 90% of the sunlight and drawing widespread mockery, has finally been pulled down by Bristol City Council.
The wooden panels, described by neighbours and social media users as 'hideous' and 'stupid', were installed last month outside a council-owned property in Lockleaze. One worker sent to dismantle the barrier admitted: 'Obviously the fence did look hideous and blocked 90 per cent of the sunlight going in.'
“Bristol City Council removed a 'hideous' fence that blocked a living room window after widespread mockery.”
The council had put up the fence for 'health and safety reasons', citing a 'significant drop' between the driveway and the side of the house. But the barrier, which appeared to offer little view beyond the tops of people's heads, was met with disbelief.
One neighbour, a builder by trade, said: 'I can't work it out and I'm a builder. It blocks the windows out. I think everyone is confused.' Another said they thought it was 'health and safety gone a bit mad', adding: 'It looked ridiculous. Whoever decided to do that, why?'
Thousands mocked the fence online. One social media user wrote: 'Oh my goodness that is beyond stupid!' Another said: 'This is ridiculous, surely the person who put that up must have questioned it?'
The backlash prompted action. 'I think because of the views it had online, it was just decided that it needed to come down and something else put back in its place,' the worker said. 'All I know is that it was asked to be taken down.'
The council has now replaced the wooden panels with black metal railings. A spokesperson said: 'We can confirm the property is owned by Bristol City Council. The fence was initially installed due to the significant drop between the drive and the side of the house – a barrier was therefore required for health and safety reasons. The fence was replaced with the black railings to reduce the visual impact on residents.'