A charity wants to replace historic railings around a listed Crewe building with a two-metre high fence to increase security - after its members have been threatened.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light moved into Webb House, Victoria Avenue, in September 2022.

The charity says it has been forced to contact police following threats since it moved into the area – and now needs to install a two-metre high boarded fence for security.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light moved into Webb House, Victoria Avenue, in September 2022 (Ryan Parker).

In a document submitted to Cheshire East Council with the planning application this May, the charity states: "We have not come to the decision to make the application lightly.

"It was our intention to retain the boundary treatments as they were, with the exception of localised repairs, when the charity took occupation of the building.

"However, due to a significant increase in threats against members of the charity, locally in Crewe, nationally and internationally, we have had no choice.

"We have had contact with the local law enforcement agencies as well as the police community support officers.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light says it has had members threatened by the public in Crewe (Ryan Parker).

"They are working closely with us to reduce potential threats to members of our charity."

Webb House is a former historic orphanage and is a Grade II listed building.

At the time of writing three nearby residents have written to the council to object to the application.

One states: "The railing themselves are more than 100 years old, having been manufactured by the railway company in Crewe Locomotive Works, along with the same on the opposite side of Victoria Avenue.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light wants to replace historic railings with a two-metre high boarded fence for security (Ryan Parker).

"In addition to this, a 2000mm high fence is completely unnecessary and inappropriate for the building and its historical significance to the people of Crewe."

Another said: "We have lived in our property for 39 years and during that time people have come and gone.

"No-one has ever wanted to take the railings away as they are part of the character of the area.

"All the houses on Queens Park Drive have railings and they are repairable."

Webb House is a former historic orphanage and is a Grade II listed building. Three nearby residents have objected to the proposals (Ryan Parker).

The last date for submitting comments is Wednesday 28 June with a target decision date of Tuesday 25 July.

READ MORE: Major British fashion retailer to remain in Crewe town centre unit.

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Crewe Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Crewe Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.