The first phase of a programme which will physically open Southside to the Island community kicked off yesterday.

More than 2,000 feet of the fencing which originally separated the former US Naval Air Station from the rest of Bermuda is being taken down by Butterfield Excavation.

The work is being carried out on St. David's Road between the Gate Two entrance to Southside at Ship's Wharf and the top of Mission Hill.

Bermuda Land Development Company spokesman Don Grearson said: "Hundreds of yards of fencing along St. David's Road will be removed over the next few weeks as the BLDC continues with its programme to reintegrate the former military property into the surrounding community.

"The contract represents the first phase of a programme that will eliminate the physical barriers that once separated the US Naval Air Station from the rest of Bermuda.'' BLDC Chief Executive Officer Carl Musson added: "One of our main objectives at Southside is to physically reintegrate Southside into the surrounding community.'' "The next phase of the fence removal project is scheduled to begin in early September with the removal of fencing lying to the east of Gate Three near Emily's Bay Lane,'' continued Mr. Grearson.

But he noted: "Sections of fencing alongside Southside housing areas will remain up until BLDC housing developments are completed. These sections will be removed as construction of the cottages are completed.'' The BLDC intends to replace the metal fencing in some areas with post and rail fences and hedging.

Mr. Grearson explained: "This will be done primarily for safety reasons, with the post and rail fencing acting as a guardrail for road vehicles and the hedging as a safety barrier for children.''