Parents Protest School Field Sell-Off
UK government gives go-ahead for 1.5-hectare field to be sold for housing, sparking community backlash in Totnes, Devon
Parents in Totnes, Devon, have launched protests to save a 1.5-hectare school field from being sold to build houses. The UK government has given King Edward VI Community College the go-ahead to sell the Lower Field, which is likely to be used for housing development.
The school claims it needs the funds to revamp neglected buildings, but the community is fighting to preserve the field as a vital space for unstructured play and recreation. The field has been shared by the school and the wider Totnes community since it was gifted by the Elmhirst family and is used for activities such as women's and girls' fitness classes and informal games.
According to research by the anti-poverty charity Trussell, almost half of UK residents (45%) have lost access to at least one community space since 2023. This trend is particularly concerning for communities like Totnes, where public green spaces are essential for those who cannot afford to join sports clubs.
The town of Totnes has a reputation for being middle class and affluent, but there is also hidden impoverishment. The loss of the Lower Field would exacerbate this issue, leaving many without access to a vital community space.
## Why it matters The sell-off of the Lower Field is not just a local issue, but also part of a broader trend of community spaces being lost across the UK. The preservation of public green spaces is crucial for the well-being and social cohesion of communities, particularly in areas where poverty and inequality are hidden. The protests in Totnes highlight the importance of community-led initiatives to protect and preserve these vital spaces.
The future of the Lower Field remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the community will continue to fight to save it. As one protester noted, the field is a space where people can come together, be active, and enjoy the outdoors without the need for structured activities. The loss of this space would be devastating for the community, and the protests will continue until a solution is found.
