Parents Launch Playground Protests to Save School Field From Sell-Off 2026

Parents in Totnes have launched playground protests to save a beloved school field from being sold off for housing. The field, known as Lower Field, is part of King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) and has been a community space for decades.

Why Parents Are Protesting

The local comprehensive school has been given government approval to sell the 1.5-hectare plot, with plans for housing development. School leaders argue they need the funds to renovate neglected buildings, but campaigners see this as a modern-day "enclosure" of public land.

Becca Robinson, who uses the field for women's fitness classes, says: "It's devastating. The field is an open space that feels safe, and losing it would mean fewer women and girls exercising." The protests, held on Saturdays throughout autumn, involve ballgames, kite flying, and community gatherings to demonstrate the field's value.

The Importance of Community Spaces

This isn't just about a field; it's about the erosion of public spaces across the UK. According to anti-poverty charity Trussell, almost half of UK residents (45%) say they have lost access to local green spaces in the past five years. These spaces are vital for physical and mental health, especially for children and the elderly.

Campaigners argue that selling off school fields for housing sets a dangerous precedent. Once built on, these spaces are lost forever. The protests aim to raise awareness and pressure the government to reconsider.

What Can You Do to Help?

If you're concerned about the loss of community spaces, there are several ways to get involved:

• Join local protests and show your support for preserving green spaces.
• Contact your local council and voice your opposition to the sell-off.
• Spread the word on social media to raise awareness.
• Support organizations that campaign for public land protection.

Comparing the Arguments

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