Fencing to keep out drug users and rough sleepers could soon be installed by a bank branch in Coventry centre. Barclays on 25 High Street has applied for steel "palisade" fencing to go around a sheltered space at the back by its service yard.

The barrier is to protect staff health and safety, including stopping potential drug dealing and people leaving bedding and sharps. This area of the bank, a small portico off Salt Lane, is attractive to people as it's "hidden and well-protected from the low-level wall," plans said.

It is also the building's fire exit so must be kept clear, and a gate pushed from the inside will be included with the fencing. The barriers are "to prevent people from accessing the area for illegal substance abuse, sleeping overnight and littering the area with sharps and bedding." a planning statement read.

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"As the fire exit of the branch, it is imperative this is kept clear," it added. "A gate with an internal push bar is proposed to be installed to service the fire exit purpose."

The statement also says the installation of the fence would prevent items being left in the area that could be an obstruction or hazard.

It states: "Bedding left in the area could block the safe exit from the building in the event of a fire. "Further to this, littering of used sharps and bloody tissues raises additional concern for health and safety and cleanliness for staff and other users of the area."

The impact of the development on the surrounding conservation area will be "negligible," the statement claimed. Works will not take place on the high street where most people walk past the bank and will only be viewable from the back of a nearby Grade II listed building.

The fencing will also use similar materials to others nearby such as around Salt Lane car park. Keeping people safe is also considered to outweigh any "perceived negative impact" the work may have on the area, it said.

"The works seek to protect the health and safety of staff and other users by removing the ability for people to use the space for illegal drug use and potential selling of drugs." The plans were lodged with Coventry city council earlier this month and a decision has not been made yet.