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School governors in Cowes say their playing field is being cut by two thirds because of a council decision they knew nothing about.
On Tuesday this week school governors at Lanesend Primary say they received a letter stating the field they'd previously used for sports days is being fenced off.
The letter says, "Following the recent re-location of Lanesend Primary School to the former Somerton Middle School site and the installation of various fencing works prior to the move we have determined that additional boundary fencing is required to the overall school site."
The school governors claim, until the letter arrived, they knew nothing about the plans.
The letter goes on to state, "The works are to be completed by the end of August 2012 and no later than when the school opens for the start of the new 2012/13 autumn term."
Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio school governor, Carrie Almond said, "We had not been advised previously. We'd had out sports day at the end of last term which was fantastic and off the back of the olympics we were really excited that we could do more with the children and get parents involved and this came as a complete bolt out of the blue."
"The fence will shut off two thirds of the field previously available to us"
In 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."
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