Residents who live behind Strawberry Hill Station have shared their anger at the removal of a fence between the train station platform and residents' gardens.

Around nine months ago a noise-cancelling wooden fence was installed between the train station's platforms and the on-facing gardens by South Western Railways, who manage the station.

The wooden fence has now been removed and replaced with a chain link fence that is not noise cancelling and does not give the residents the same amount of privacy.

Christine Southern, one of the people who lives behind the station, said: "The solid noise cancelling wooden fence was great for us who back on to the railway because it reduced the noise, it gave us privacy because people can't stand staring into our gardens and it gives us security, especially following the fatal stabbing at the station

The wooden fence which was installed. (Photo Credit: Christine Southern).

She explained that the chain link fence that has replaced the wooden fence means that there is less privacy and security, as it is easier for people to get over the fence.

Christine added: "We want the noise cancelling fence reinstated.

"The noise of the trains has increased again and the bigger thing is that people are standing on the platform and they turn round and stare into our garden.

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"My daughter has to keep her bedroom curtains closed."

There was a fatal stabbing at Strawberry Hill Station at the beginning of January.

A 21 year old man, Anojan Gnaneswaran, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Christine explained that since the murder they have been more worried about security.

She also said that there have been a number of burglaries and break ins from the back of the gardens.

She said: "I don't feel as secure since the fence has gone.

"It's affecting the community and not to mention - what a waste of money."

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A Network Rail Spokesperson said: "Last year Network Rail installed a fence on the platforms of Strawberry Hill station to provide additional privacy to neighbouring residents following instances of anti-social behaviour on the platforms.

"Given concerns about vandalism and costs of ongoing maintenance of the fence, a review was recently undertaken by South Western Railway and Network Rail and it was agreed that the fence would be removed and the original chain link fence reinstated.

"Network Rail is currently exploring the option of installing vegetation in the spring to provide additional privacy and will continue to keep stakeholders and local residents updated.

"We are sorry for any disruption or impact this may have in the meantime."