Don't fence us in - school clash with walkers goes on
WORK has begun on a controversial fence to prevent public access to a Lancaster school field.
Contractors began building the two metre high, 500 metre long fence last Tuesday on the fields behind Moorside Primary School.
It will seal off land including football pitches and a meadow.
But the Moorside Fields Community Association, which is fighting the move, claims residents have walked the fields for decades.
It has applied to register a right of way and to designate the land as a town green.
Parents have formed a campaign group in support of headteacher Len Guest, who says the fence is necessary amid concerns over dog fouling and child safety.
More than 500 people have signed a petition backing the school.
Group chair, Lucy MacCulloch told of her 'astonishment' that the community association had decided against meeting school governors this week to find a compromise.
In a letter to chair of governors David Saul, association chairman Mike Worth said it would be 'inappropriate' to meet at the moment due to the 'hostile situation'.
He said one parent who is continuing to walk the field with their dog had alleged their children were now being picked on and that 'Mr Guest is turning the children against the local community'.
Mr Guest said he would never pick on children and had not tried to influence them. He said he had told pupils that adults were trying to resolve the dispute.
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Weather for Lancaster
Friday 25 May 2012
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Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
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