MUMS on a new housing estate in Westbury fear a child could be impaled on razor sharp spikes on a metal fence just yards from their homes.

Their concerns were reinforced when Lesley Jordan's two-year-old son Jack found the family cat Freda injured by one of the spikes. The cat has made a good recovery after being treated by a vet, but mothers fear a child may not be so lucky.

The fence, which is topped by three inch spikes, was put up in November to surround a sewerage system in Paxmans Road. Residents say developer Westbury Homes promised to remove it before Christmas, but so far no action has been taken.

At least 10 children play next to the fence and residents have seen youngsters leaping over the spikes to collect stray balls.

Mother-of-three Mrs Jordan has obtained plans of the estate and believes their argument is strengthened by the fact that the fencing appears to be too near the houses.

She said: "When Jack saw the cat he picked her up and screamed.

"Will it have to be one of our kids before they come and move it? This is an accident waiting to happen. If the kids put their hands underneath, it's razor they are sharp as well.

"There's not a lot more we can do. We seem to have spoken to everybody and have gone around in circles."

Mum Julie Mortimer said: "We've paid a lot of money for these houses and they go and do that it's disgusting. They just fob us off; I also asked for them to install lighting and nothing has happened."

Jackie Day, who has two children, said: "I just think it's really dangerous these homes are designed for families."

Neighbour and qualified landscaper Chris Taylor said: "It would be better to build on the site than leave it where it is. It's a death trap lots of kids play down here."

A spokesman for Westbury Homes said: "The fence is one of Wessex Water's standard design pumping station fences, which was erected by Westbury Homes in full compliance with the requirements of planning and health and safety regulations.

"As a responsible developer and in answer to the concerns of local residents with reference to the spikes at the top of this fence, Westbury Homes is in discussions with Wessex Water regarding the adaptation of this security fence. It should be stated, however, that a pumping station of this type should be enclosed with an appropriate security barrier."

A spokesman for Wessex Water said: "We supply developers with standard details about the styles of fencing that can be erected around pumping stations to make sure they are secure. It is then up to the developer to choose the appropriate fencing to use or suggest another style, having taken into account health and safety issues relating to the pumping station and general public.