RESIDENTS have demanded that a train company removes a 12ft high bright blue security fence.

Dave Birchill, who runs the King Street post office in Weymouth, said there was no consultation with residents before the fence was built along the side of Ranelagh Road.

He said: "If it imposes on somebody else, then you should have a say.

"You can't just put up a 12ft fence. I can't see how it can help security because anyone who wants to get over can just climb on top of the cars. The security guards were much less intrusive."

Mr Burchill added that when the building of the fence first began he assumed it was just to protect a signal box. He said he only learned the railings were to be extended along the street when he asked workmen.

He added: "None of us who live here realised that the thing was going to come marching up the road. It was only when I talked to the men who were working on it that I found out.

"What are visitors going to think when they arrive by train?

"As far as I can see, we still fund these rail companies through billions of pounds of subsidies and they are part-owned by the public, and this is a complete waste of money and it looks horrendous."

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's head of planning Simon Williams said that the developers did not need to apply for planning permission. Council officers have inspected the fence and confirmed that it is permitted.

A spokesman for South West Trains said the fence was a joint venture with Network Rail and was put up after a series of incidents in which trains were vandalised. He added that there were no plans to extend the fence.

He said: "The company has also installed CCTV cameras to prevent these incidents and we are also worried that trespassers could be killed if they step on the third rail and get electrocuted."