Hove campaigners angered as Cardinal Newman blocks access to BHASVIC field

Campaigners living close to a school playing field in Hove have expressed their anger after repairs to a fence has left them without access.

They have written to Cardinal Newman Catholic School head James Kilmartin accusing him of misleading residents.

And their campaign group Friends of the Field has called on Dr Kilmartin to reopen the access points as soon as possible.

Polly Strauss and Lou McCurdy, from the campaign group, wrote: “We are very disappointed with the events of Friday and Saturday which have resulted in the blocking of an important walking route for the community and local schools.

“Hundreds of people use this route every day and have done so for decades.

“We do not accept your assertion that we have been previously notified (at meetings and in emails) of your plans to block access.

“We have been contacted by over 20 people this weekend, all of whom remember the meeting discussions clearly and disagree with your version of events.

“We have always understood that repairs would concentrate on keeping balls off roads and preventing injury from rusty spikes not blocking public access points.

“The two access points you have blocked were described as ‘open access’ by Brighton and Hove City Council in the documents they submitted in response to our village green application.

“At recent meetings you have given notice of intended repairs to the fence for safety reasons but have asked us to reassure local residents that repairs will not affect access.

“These discussions have been minuted.

“We are therefore requesting that you reinstate the access points as soon as possible.

“We would like to continue to work with the council, (school) and BHASVIC to address concerns regarding the field.”

Meanwhile the council has decided to hold a three-day public inquiry in March or April to decide the village green application.

Friends of the Field tweeted: “Pls get in touch if you are a barrister, have experience of public inquiries you can share, or are willing to giving evidence at the inquiry.”