A controversial £1,000 barrier will be installed at the Seth Ward Community Centre in Buntingford. It will be erected within the next two months to combat anti-social behaviour at the site, even though deputy town clerk, Eddie Plume said the problem had i

A controversial £1,000 barrier will be installed at the Seth Ward Community Centre in Buntingford.

It will be erected within the next two months to combat anti-social behaviour at the site, even though deputy town clerk, Eddie Plume said the problem had improved during recent weeks.

Councillors, however, are concerned that they will not be able to find anyone to lock and unlock it.

So when the barrier is first installed it will be kept open.

At a meeting last month, Councillor Jean Cook said it would be another 'burden'.

Town mayor Councillor John Noades agreed.

After the meeting he said: "It will mean that people will still be able to drive into the car park until a person is found to lock and unlock the barrier.

"And even if the barrier is closed, people will still be able to drive over the footpath and over the grass verge.

"It may even create more problems."

Herts police proposed that the council install the barrier because they were concerned about noise pollution and litter at the site.

Buntingford Sgt Alison Farrell said: "There are some issues with youths using the car park as a gathering place.

"And although we could increase patrols, it needs a long-term solution and it was felt that putting up a barrier would stop people using it until late.