CONCERNS have been raised about deer becoming trapped within fencing at a North East housing development which is under construction.

Residents have reported deer were “trapped and frightened” within the fencing at the Yarm Back Lane development following Stockton Borough Council’s decision to allow the development of Greenfield land.

Some residents took to social media and emailed Stockton South MP Matt Vickers to raise their concerns about the welfare of deer in the field off the housing development.

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It has been reported that deer have become stuck in the fences in the field where 969 homes are due to be built on Greenfield land after being given the go-ahead by Stockton Borough Council.

One resident on Facebook said: “I contacted the RSPCA, Stockton Council and Taylor Wimpey over two weeks ago. I was assured by a concerned employee at Taylor Wimpey that two panels would be removed. I advised them where the animals were most days trying to keep away from the heavy machinery.

“Two weeks on, the deer are still trapped and frightened. The gap needs to be at the far end of the site, where they can escape to the adjacent field where there are no barriers.”

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Mr Vickers said: “We all knew that the development of Greenfield land off Yarm Back Lane was an irresponsible decision taken by the Labour Council, however I had hoped that they had at least taken all due care to ensure that wildlife and habitats were being safeguarded.

“The Labour-led council’s decision to concrete over our Greenfield sites is wrong for the local community and wrong for wildlife. I am alarmed at reports that deer are being left trapped and frightened on this land for such long periods of time.

“The council must work with the developers to find a solution to this problem immediately and establish appropriate gaps in the barriers to allow the deer to escape.”

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The admins of the community Facebook group ‘Hartburn Matters’ posted last month that they had been contacted by several residents with concerns.

The message said: “Councillor Lynn Hall and Niall Innes have been contacted by several residents who raised concerns about the welfare of two deer in the field off Yarm Back Lane.

“After asking the Animal Welfare team to investigate, several of the fence panels around the field were removed to allow the deer to leave.

“The officers will continue to monitor the deer and their welfare.”

A spokeperson from Taylor Wimpey said: “We can confirm that a small number of deer have entered our development site in Stockton. The deer do not appear to be injured or distressed and are well away from any construction activity.

“Protecting local wildlife is a priority. Following advice from our ecological consultant we have created several openings in the site boundary to encourage the deer to leave of their own accord, and the site team has been fully briefed.

“We will continue to monitor the deer with our ecologist."

The Northern Echo approached Stockton Borough Council for a comment but it didn't responded to our request in time for publication.

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