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Beatle's widow in razor fence row | Beatle's widow in razor fence row |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Plans to replace a razor wire fence at the Oxfordshire home of Beatle George Harrison have been branded "unnecessary" and "inappropriate". | Plans to replace a razor wire fence at the Oxfordshire home of Beatle George Harrison have been branded "unnecessary" and "inappropriate". |
Harrison's widow, Olivia, has applied to renew the 8ft (2.4m) fence that surrounds the property in Henley-on-Thames to maintain security. | |
But neighbour, actor Rodney Bewes, claims the wire has almost killed his cat and cost him thousands in vet fees. | But neighbour, actor Rodney Bewes, claims the wire has almost killed his cat and cost him thousands in vet fees. |
The town council has opposed the fence which is in a conservation area. | The town council has opposed the fence which is in a conservation area. |
Severed artery | Severed artery |
The high-security fence was installed after the 58-year-old Beatle was stabbed seven times by an intruder who broke into Friar Park in Gravel Hill, Henley, in 1999. | The high-security fence was installed after the 58-year-old Beatle was stabbed seven times by an intruder who broke into Friar Park in Gravel Hill, Henley, in 1999. |
Mr Bewes, who starred in the 70s comedy The Likely Lads, said: "Is the razor wire necessary? Our cat has been caught three times, once severing an artery, and we know of three other cats which have been injured. | Mr Bewes, who starred in the 70s comedy The Likely Lads, said: "Is the razor wire necessary? Our cat has been caught three times, once severing an artery, and we know of three other cats which have been injured. |
"My biggest sadness is coming home and driving along Hop Gardens and seeing razor wire and all it stands for in the world. | "My biggest sadness is coming home and driving along Hop Gardens and seeing razor wire and all it stands for in the world. |
"What if everyone started putting up razor wire around their gardens? | "What if everyone started putting up razor wire around their gardens? |
"An intruder would find it very easy to prise off the wooden fencing and enter under the razor wire". | |
It is unneighbourly and inappropriate and detrimental to the character of the conservation area Spokesman, Henley Town Council | It is unneighbourly and inappropriate and detrimental to the character of the conservation area Spokesman, Henley Town Council |
The planning application states the fence is needed to replace the existing 10-year-old security fence around the Grade II-listed building because it is starting to rot and poses a security hazard. | |
It also advises that small holes would be left in the bottom of the new fence boards for animals to go through. | It also advises that small holes would be left in the bottom of the new fence boards for animals to go through. |
Members of Henley Town Council have strongly opposed the application, a spokesman said: "It is unneighbourly and inappropriate and detrimental to the character of the conservation area." | Members of Henley Town Council have strongly opposed the application, a spokesman said: "It is unneighbourly and inappropriate and detrimental to the character of the conservation area." |
Mrs Harrison has been unavailable for comment. | Mrs Harrison has been unavailable for comment. |
South Oxfordshire District Council is expected to make a decision on the matter later this month. | South Oxfordshire District Council is expected to make a decision on the matter later this month. |