Community split over security fence for school playing field

Those behind the plans at Hallam Primary School say that the fence is necessary to prevent burglary, vandalism and arson attacks, and also protect the field from dog fouling and broken glass.

They also say that schoolchildren are currently “very vulnerable” as they are able to run off the grounds or be approached by strangers.

However, locals opposing the proposed fence say that it would prevent people using the site for sports and dog walking, which they have been able to do there for more than 40 years.

Relations between the two sides have now soured to the point that objectors have been accused of putting dog excrement outside supporters’ homes.

Adam Bidder, chairman and treasurer of Hallam Primary School’s PTA, said in his letter of support to Sheffield Council: “The fence will help protect our children and will also mean our children can learn in a safe environment, not one which has been vandalised.

“The PTA have made a pledge that, should a fence be erected, their main focus for fundraising will be improved outdoor equipment.

“We have already raised £3,000 which we hoped to spend by now but, due to the delays from the objectors, we are unable to give the facilities our children deserve.

“Previously equipment and benches have been bought but were vandalised. The objectors will probably not be aware of this as they generally do not actively support PTA events, again disappointing given how much time they are spending on stopping these improvements.”

Mr Bidder added that opponents of the fence have given “little or no support” to the forthcoming school summer fair and said: “I know that many supporters of the fence are too frightened to submit their opinions due to the threatening behaviour of the objectors.”

More than 300 letters have been submitted to Sheffield Council in relation to the plans – 83 in support of the fence and 227 in objection. A petition bearing 120 signatures has also been submitted in support of the plans.

One opponent, Colin Hicks, told the planning authority: “Of course the safety of the schoolchildren is paramount and I do not object to a fence around the school and a portion of the field.

“However, I cannot see the need for the whole field to be fenced off and made forever unavailable for casual public use.

“This field is used extensively by the local community. If the fence went ahead, then to see a totally empty field on summer evenings, weekends and school holiday periods would be a total shame.

“The school governors have stated that the field would be available for use by pre-organised, pre-booked arrangement.

“Try telling that to a 12-year-old that just wants to ride their new bike across the field when they feel like it, or to a group of lads that just want a kick-about on a Saturday morning.”

Another objector told the council that the plans have “divided the community – and this may never be healed.”

City planners have come out on the side of the school and recommended that the fence is given the go-ahead by councillors at a committee meeting next Tuesday, March 8.

They point out that a two- metre-high fence could be built without planning permission, which would also prevent the public from using the site.

The planners said: “The school has stated that it is willing to enter into a community use agreement.

“It is not ideal to enclose a large playing field which is regarded highly by the local community and used for social activities. However, it is clear that the school feels the need to protect the school buildings and children. On balance, the proposed development is deemed to be acceptable.”