Proposals which could result in a Fife primary school losing a chunk of its playing fields have caused controversy.
Newport residents fear “drastic” changes to the local development plan will have a devastating impact on the amenities open to pupils.
One local said, “We are very concerned about what may happen to the Newport-on-Tay Primary School playing fields. The changes could come about after Fife Council put forward a new proposal for the local development plan.
“This proposal could switch the playing fields from their current area on an expanse of ground to the south of the school to an area to the north which is smaller by about 75%.”
However, it is not just the reduction in size that is vexing parents.
The objector said, “The ground proposed for the playing field normally contains a reasonable-sized pond … and is separated from the school grounds by a two to three metre-wide and two metre-deep drainage ditch. I have yet to find anyone in favour of this proposal.”
The resident fears the move is a cynical council bid to free up more land for housing or “employment”.
Unless there is a dramatic change to the curriculum, he said, it is difficult to imagine how youngsters will benefit.
“This idea involves switching an area of excellent playing fields for one whose main advantage could only come if pupils need to be taught how to dig drainage ditches.
“As far as I can see, the reason behind the change is that the council’s 2009 version of the local plan did not acknowledge that one of the fields in the plan had been scheduled as an ancient monument 10 years earlier. They now want to recoup this ‘lost’ land for housing or employment use.”
The resident said he is not alone in fearing the proposed changes are being sneaked through the system.
He said, “The fear is that few people will notice this drastic change as it was only raised as the school term finished and they are asking for comments by July 19.”
When contacted by The Courier, local councillor Maggie Taylor said she was “aware” of the issue and was looking into it on the behalf of constituents.