NETWORK Rail says it has ‘reviewed’ the design of new fencing at Starcross which has prompted complaints that is blocks one of the best views in the county.

The fencing at Starcross station was deteriorating and needed replacing to meet modern safety standards.

But the design was criticised for obscuring the estuary view enjoyed by millions of rail passengers.

Now, Network Rail has ‘reviewed’ the design following feedback.

In a statement, a spokesman said: ‘We understand the concerns that have been raised about the new fencing at Starcross station and have reviewed the design following feedback from the local community.

‘As a result of our review, we will be making some changes to the fence to ensure the safety of all station users.

‘The infill panels will be brought forward so that they sit flush with the posts and a fine mesh will be installed within those sections to reduce the visual impact of these changes.

‘In response to the concerns raised, this work will begin as soon as possible to maintain the safety of the station for everyone.’

The previous fencing had deteriorated due to its age and needed to be replaced with a fence that could safely withstand crowd pressure, given the high number of people who use the station.

The replacement is aimed to be more durable and reduce the risk of falls, Network Rail said.

County councillor Alan Connett had complained: ’One of the best views in Devon is being affected by new fencing panels.’

He said local residents were concerned the view would not be the same and that ‘far more sympathetic’ fencing should have been used which retained the view.

There were also complaints that the new design was noisy when the wind blew, ‘similar to blowing across a bottle top’.