Berlin - Berlin has paid 36,000 euros (40,000 dollars) to build a so-called anti-sex fence to prevent prostitutes and drug dealers from wandering into a neighbouring residential area, the daily Bild reported on Thursday.
The 420-metre-long and 1.6-metre-high metal fence replaces a more temporary structure, which was built following complaints from residents that they had found remnants of the sex and drug trade in their streets around Magdeburger Platz, including used condoms, needles and even faeces.
The square borders one of the German capital's red-light districts
"We want that residents and children can feel happy at the square," Bild quoted local politician Carsten Spalleck as saying.
Berlin's first anti-sex fence is to be patrolled and closed during the summer months between 8 pm and 7 am local time.
Berlin's city government paid for the construction of the fence out of a special fund.
DPA