Anger over plan to fence off school playing fields
Head defends schools’ actions
Plans by two Maidstone schools to fence off their playing fields have created a backlash among neighbours. Oakwood Park Grammar School and St Augustine Academy on the Oakwood Park campus want to fence off their fields to keep the public out.
But residents, who have been able to wander freely over them since the 1940s, say that will deny the public an important green space.
Because the proposed galvanised fencing is less than 2m tall, the schools don’t need planning permission.
St Augustine’s gained a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) for its part of the fence back in October. Oakwood Park has an application under consideration.
Rik Johnson, of Queens Road, said: “We walk our dogs in the park responsibly and have never observed any kind of antisocial or destructive behaviour.
“One of the reasons we moved to Queens Road was so we could have green open space on our doorstep.”
Andrew Vale, of Saxon Mews, said: “The playing fields are enjoyed by many residents out of school hours.”
Simon Fielding, of Bower OA K WOOD PA R K Mount Road, said: “Restricting access to this long-standing open space would fly in the face of government policy to encourage people to engage in exercise.”
Cllr Paul Harper (Lab) said: “Oakwood Park was originally bought by Kent County Council for the people of Maidstone in the late 1940s.
“Despite the schools and colleges on the campus, there has always been free access to the landscaped playing fields. It is important these rights are kept.”
Cllr Harper, Cllr Keith Adkinson (Lab) and Cllr James Willis (Lib Dem) have met the schools to seek a compromise.
Cllr Willis said: “We will work with the schools and residents to find a way whereby hopefully both can continue to benefit from this beautiful location.” The head teacher of St Augustine has defended the plans. Jason Feldwick, pictured left, said: “There are two main reasons why we are erecting a fence. The Woodard Trust, who run St Augustine Academy, have a 125-year lease from KCC for our part of the playing fields. We have responsibility for the land, ensuring possession is not shared and nobody develops rights across the land through use. There have been numerous signs stating it is private fields. These have been ignored for many years.
“The trust is liable for the safety of all users but we cannot control access, which is untenable. A fence is required to manage the site, which will allow us to reduce litter, dog excrement, drug use, damage and graffiti, and random teams turning up to play sport without permission.
“The second reason is the safeguarding of staff and students. I have had numerous incidents of abuse from members of the public asked to leave the site. This is not acceptable.”