Security ball-stop fencing secures sewage treatment site

Sector

Utilities

Project type

Refurbishment

Year completed

2022

Project location

South East England

Client

Water Treatment Works

Products used

Securi-Mesh fencing panels; Jacksons ballstop fencing

Context

Perimeter security and access control are essential at most water treatment works, but an additional requirement was necessary at this major treatment works for one of the UK’s largest water utilities companies.

The sewage treatment works shares a boundary with a recreation ground, so the risk of objects such as stray footballs entering the site facilities required a practical solution comprising more than just boundary security fencing.

The solution had to satisfy the needs of the treatment plant and recreation ground users.

Solution

Securi-Mesh® mesh security panels were installed around the perimeter of the recreation ground backing on to the treatment works.

Securi-Mesh® fencing provides anti-climb protection with its small apertures between the mesh wires that eliminates foot and hand holds, and is resistant to cutting with conventional hand tools. With tamper-proof bolts and clamp bars which secure the overlapped mesh panels to posts, the system is also successful at preventing panels being prised away from posts to gain entry.

6m-high ball-stop fencing was placed behind goal posts on the recreation ground and where balls were likely to stray. Jacksons’ ball-stop netting has a double lattice post design, which is strong enough to allow the webbing or mesh to remain in place throughout the year.

After taking into account suggestions from the local community centre, it was decided to powder-coat the fencing green, to help it blend in with the environment of the recreation ground.

The fencing also reduces the temptation to attempt to trespass onto the sewage treatment site from the recreation ground, due to its sheer height.

As the Securi-Mesh® fencing provided an appropriate amount of security by itself, no security toppings were necessary.

Outcome

The sewage treatment works will see significant benefits from the long life of the fencing, which is covered by Jacksons' 25-year guarantee.

By choosing a cost-effective, long-life product with a high security rating, the treatment works ensures that its boundary is well protected, not only from trespass and airborne objects landing over the fence, but acts of malicious vandalism that could potentially cause harm to the local population.