THE governors of a school in Bushey are considering selling part of their playing fields for housing development to fund school improvements.

The possibility of development on the open land belonging to Highwood School in Bushey Mill Lane has provoked a strong reaction from residents and the ward councillors.

The school proposes to use the money from selling the land to fund improvement of buildings and create a new information technology centre.

Recently, the Government called for stricter guidelines to protect school playing fields and prevent them being sold by schools.

Bushey ward councillors Michael and Miki Colne met with the headteacher and governors of the school to state their opposition to the plans.

No decision has been made and any proposals would have to be agreed by a planning committee at Hertsmere Borough Council.

Mr and Mrs Colne wrote in the Bushey Bulletin that they will "make every effort to protect and preserved this land, both for the benefit of the children at the school as well as the wider community".

Mr Colne said: "I was very concerned to hear that the school was thinking of selling some of their land for housing development for financial benefits.

"We had a meeting with the headteacher and governor from the school and made it clear that the plans would not receive a good reception.

"I am strongly opposed to any development on the land and would fight it at every stage.

"This is protected open land and is very valuable."

Mr Bryan Harding has lived for 20 years in a house in Mead Way, which backs onto the playing fields.

He said: "I am absolutely opposed to any development on the school field and I know of a lot of other people who feel the same way.

"I think we have had our fair share of problems in Bushey recently with new developments.

"Any development there would be a significant disadvantage to me when I came to sell the house and there would be additional hazards with more traffic.

"The school shouldn't have to raise money to pay for maintenance of the school and new buildings - what have we got a council for?"

Headteacher of Highwood School Mr Alan Grant said: "It is very early days and we have not made any decisions yet.

"The governors put forward a proposal to look into the feasibility of selling off part of the school fields to raise money for capital projects to improve the school buildings and therefore enhance the education of the students.

"The school is keen to involve the community and we will consult with local residents and parents.

"We will make a decision in light of people's comments when we have more information to give them and we know what we will use the money for.

"We have extensive playing fields, but the school building is in a poor state of repair and this may be a way of raising money to enhance the school.

"One idea is to create an IT centre which the local residents could be involved in.

"We are trying to be sensitive and we will have public meetings when we reach that stage."

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