Fury mounts over changes to Moorside Primary School fields

Parents fear for their children’s safety after plans to turn fields into a town green at a popular Lancaster primary school were approved.
Moorside Primary School in Lancaster.Moorside Primary School in Lancaster.
Moorside Primary School in Lancaster.

Some have spoken of their utter “shock and disgust” over the decision to allow the fields at Moorside Primary School on Bowerham Road to be shared with the public.

More than 600 pupils attend the school which prides itself on “grounds where children can explore and play safely and happily.”

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Despite opposition from parents, the school and Lancashire County Council, who own the land, plans are still going ahead.

One parent, who did not wish to be named, said: “No longer can the school say, it’s a lovely day, eat lunch in the meadow or take the lesson outdoors.

“It’ll now be risk assessment and permission slips to parents in advance of every visit.

“Perhaps we should remove all school playing fields and just have obese and vitamin D deficient children, seemingly this is what everyone wants.”

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Some parents have said the town green status would result in the removal of the fields fences, which they argue would further heighten the danger to their children.

The application to change the five areas of land surrounding the school into a town green was originally submitted in 2010 to the planning inspectorate by local residents, including Janine Bebbington.

Janine said: “I am surprised at this shock and disgust argument. The fact that we have gathered town green status means the council wouldn’t be able to sell the land for development. I just want people talking about how the land can be best enjoyed by everybody.”

Roger Shone, headteacher of Moorside, said: “We will be looking to find ways of ensuring our pupils can continue to enjoy and benefit from the grounds which surround our school and maintain the excellent provision we offer.” Lancashire County Council will take legal advice to consider appealing the decision.