Following our report yesterday about the council’s plan to fence off the Lanesend Primary school playing field, reducing it in size by two thirds, we’ve now received a response from them.
We asked …
1. Why is the playing field is being reduced in size?
2. What will the 2/3rds that are been taken away from Lanesend Primary be used for?
Here’s their response:
Janet Newton, Isle of Wight Council deputy director for schools and education services said “Under the school’s capital programme, Lanesend will have a games and recreation area of 8,400 square metres which meets the criteria set out by government for a two form entry primary school.
“This area will include a 100 metre and 200 metre running track, two junior football pitches and a high jump and long jump pit. As discussed previously with the school, this area will be fenced off, as is standard for school sports sites, to make sure it is secure.
“The remaining green area at this site will remain available for recreational use by the community, including Lanesend, by prior agreement. There are no plans to sell it off as has been claimed. As always we are happy to discuss any issues the governors have should they request such a meeting.”
Image: Aussie Gall under CC BY 2.0
