School's playing fields under threat

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, sought to safeguard the future of Wareham Middle School’s playing fields on 16 January.

During Education Questions in the House of Commons Annette asked Nick Gibb, the Minister for Schools, if both the Department of Education and Sport England would scrutinise any proposal to sell the playing fields very carefully.

Annette’s concerns are shared by many of her constituents, who want to protect the playing fields for use by the community and the children of Wareham. Annette’s question came as part of a campaign by local people to oppose proposals by Dorset County Council to sell off a large proportion of the playing fields for development.

In his response Nick Gibb stated that Dorset County Council had not, as of yet, filed an application to sell the playing fields. Under rules laid down by the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, the county council would have to seek approval from the Secretary of State in order to sell the fields.    

He further assured Annette that if such an application is made, the Secretary of State would take advice from the independent school playing fields advisory panel before making his decision.

After Education Questions Annette said, “We must keep fighting to protect Wareham’s playing fields. With the school’s closure forthcoming, it is crucial that we safeguard a lasting legacy for the playing fields. I think everyone agrees that they must be retained for community use, as they are an area of huge importance to local sports teams.”