Letters Flood in to Education Secretary to Object to Blackdale School Fields Sale

9.12.52am GMT Wed 6th Dec 2006

Simon Wright, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Norwich South, and Councillor Diane Hume have received over 100 letters from households near to Blackdale Middle School objecting to the sale of the school's playing fields. These letters are being sent to the Education Secretary today for consideration of an application by Norfolk County Council asking for permission to go ahead with the sale of land.

"We wrote to people living near to the school to ask that any objections they have over the sale of the fields be put in writing for us to forward on to the Secretary of State for Education," said Simon Wright. "We are very pleased by the strong response, which sends a clear message to the Education Secretary that the community wants these playing fields retained."

"Our hope is that the strength of public opinion will reinforce the arguments that have been made for the school fields to be kept."

"I will continue to forward on any letters of objection that we receive. The more people who object, the stronger our voice will be."

The application is likely to be put in by Norfolk County Council at the end of this week.

Letters of objection can be sent to Simon Wright at Freepost RRCE-BXJR-EZGL, Liberal Democrats, 422 Unthank Road, Norwich NR4 7QH, who will continue to forward them to the Minister.

Copied below: Letter from Simon Wright to the Secretary of State for Education, Alan Johnson.

Alan Johnson MP

Secretary of State for Education and Skills

Sanctuary Buildings

Great Smith Street

London

SW1P 3BT.

Dear Alan Johnson,

Re: Section 77 Sale of Playing Fields Application, Blackdale Middle School, Norwich, by Norfolk County Council

This application has caused great anxiety in the local community. Please find enclosed letters from well over 100 households near to the school objecting to the sale of this land.

In addition to the letters, one resident has also enclosed a petition of neighbours.

The playing field is very important to local people, due to the contribution it makes to the local environment, and the amenity value that it provides. Next to Blackdale Middle School is sited Earlham High School - a growing school with Sports College status. The Blackdale site could provide opportunities for the growth of this school.

We all request that you reject the application by Norfolk County Council. We look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Simon Wright

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Norwich South