Campaigners vow to protect city's public fields

Campaigners want to maintain public access to Werrington Fields in Peterborough

Campaigners have vowed to continue their fight to stop a council fencing off a city green space, because of reports of anti-social behaviour.

Peterborough City Council said it needed to safeguard pupils from Ken Stimpson Academy who use Werrington Fields.

The row over the fields began in 2019, when the council first proposed fencing off part of it for use by the school. This led to protests from residents.

The council said a planning application will now be submitted for a variation to the use of the site.

Jenna Trail from Werrington said she is "devastated" that the fields could be closed off to the public

The city council had previously applied to the Secretary of State, seeking consent to reduce the area available for the school’s use, by leaving a section open to the public. This was rejected.

Jenna Maryniak, from Save the Werrington Fields, said: “I love these fields. I have walked on them almost every day for the last 40 years.

“I understand the school's position, but this land grab from an area equivalent to two-and-a-half to now eight pitches is completely unacceptable.

“We will continue to voice our concerns and take matters to the council meeting if need be.”

Werrington First councillor John Fox said he and his wife, Councillor Judy Fox, were “not against the fencing but won’t support fencing the whole area off".

He also asked people “to stop playing politics” and reassured residents it’s not his decision as ward councillor to approve or reject plans.

“We will continue to voice concerns," he said.

"I also want to ask why this issue has dragged on with no result for four years?”

A planning application to fence the land off further is likely to be submitted by the end of the month by Peterborough City Council

A meeting will take place this week between campaigners and the Peterborough MP, Conservative's Paul Bristow.

It follows a survey being conducted by Mr Bristow where residents have shared their views.

He has urged the council to work with the residents on this issue.

A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council said: “Whilst planning consent is not required for a fence of 2m or less in height, to help allay residents' concerns regarding the loss of what they feel is a community amenity, a planning application will be submitted for a variation to the use of the site in due course.

“This will enable the site to be used both by the school and local residents.”