Questions remain over a disputed piece of land adjacent to St Blasius Academy in Shanklin, although the organisation which runs the school has offered ‘a warm invitation to organised groups’ to use the playing field.
As exclusively reported by Island Echo, the field – which was left to the children of Shanklin and was previously used freely by Shanklin Scouts among others – was fenced off by the academy, rendering it inaccessible.
The land was originally given in the 19th century by Francis White-Popham ‘for the purpose of providing a playing field for the Shanklin Church of England School’.
However, the relevant covenant – a copy of which has been seen by Island Echo – permits ‘any children of junior school age whether or not scholars at the Shanklin Church of England School to use the land conveyed as a recreation ground at all times except during normal school hours’.
Despite this covenant, which has been recognised for decades, the playing area is now inaccessible to the nippers of Shanklin.
Responding to a statement request by Island Echo, the Diocese of Chichester Academy Trust (DCAT) – which runs St Blasius Academy – has said:
“In response to a series of unfortunate incidents of significant vandalism targeting the school premises and property, St. Blasius Academy has made the considered decision to erect a protective fence. This proactive step has been taken to address the challenges posed by the escalating levels of vandalism, which have resulted in substantial costs for the institution.
“In light of this development, it is pertinent to reference the conveyance letter that outlines the intended usage of the school’s land. The conveyed stipulation is that the land is to be made available, outside of regular school hours, to facilitate activities for organised youth groups and similar associations within the local vicinity.
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“It is important to emphasise that the discretion and judgment regarding the utilisation of the specified land rest with St. Blasius CE Academy. We are committed to fostering a collaborative relationship with our community.
“Hence, we extend a warm invitation to organised groups to utilise our playing fields for their recreational activities. Interested parties are kindly requested to contact our school office for inquiries and scheduling arrangements.”
This will be welcome news to groups such as the Shanklin Scouts but, according to documents seen by Island Echo, the stipulation allows any children of junior school age to use the land and not just organised groups.
Island Echo has gone back to DCAT asking for clarification on certain points. Furthermore, Island Echo has also repeatedly asked the Isle of Wight Council for a statement as it is understood that the Council owns the land but they have yet to confirm this.
So after decades of true impoverished children it is only now, since the low life are paid to breed more clones by universal credit, that these empowered benefit kept rubbish had ruined it for all
Stop paying low life to breed
You are a small minded man Bob. Maybe stop reading the sun and try to get educated about the rise in the cost of living, and the real state of our country. The impoverished do not deserve your disdain.
The point I would like to make is this. If I were a child, I would not want to have to make an appointment to play on a field, at the school office. Children should be allowed to be spontaneous.
Fencing seems so regimented too. Does it have a gate for the children that do know how to behave to use freely?
How about running kid friendly events there, involve the kids, make them proud to be part of our caring society, and learn how to be caring themselves.
Well perhaps you could pay for the damage
yawn, more intelligent comment from a chinless wonder, blame the offspring of the less fortunate, the offspring of the more fortunate obviously never cause a problem.
If there’s vandalism erect a security fence and CCTV directly around the school buildings, and re-open the rest of the field with a gate that is closed during school hours. Win win.
What do you expect them to do when the out of hand little s___ just want to do damage.
How can Island Echo write an article about the gifting of this land to the children of Shanklin, and then in the final sentence suggest that the Isle of Wight Council owns it?
That land does not belong to the council, the land belongs to the original Shanklin Primary C.E School.
Now F…. Off council