Another public meeting has been organised, for 7pm on Wednesday, December 3 at Bitterne Park Primary, to discuss the future of nearby parkland following recent talks between the school and community groups.

In September we reported that Bitterne Park Primary School wanted to take out a lease on parkland behind the school and re-route the public footpath to make it safer for pupils to use the outdoor space.

While there's much support for the plan, there are also concerns, but at a public meeting in October organised by Friends of Riverside Park (FORP) there were calls for co-operation, and for groups to work together to “solve the conundrum”.

Bitterne Park Primary says it has invited FORP, as well as Bitterne Park Residents’ Association (BPRA) and local councillors to the latest public meeting, which it's organising.

Chair of governors Howard Whitehead, left, said that the forthcoming meeting follows talks held last week between the school, FORP and BPRA.

'Compromises'

“We would like to update everyone on where we are, the compromises we have suggested and to present the options available to make the space work for everyone, taking into account the concerns that have been raised,” he said.

The school’s headteacher Gerida Montague is expected to set out educational and safeguarding arguments for using the green space, and there will also be representation from parents and the pre-school.

School children are also said to be preparing a short video on why they want to use the park behind the school, and Mr Whitehead told bitternepark.info letters prepared by children are currently going out to the community.

FORP are also expected to speak at the meeting.

Mr Whitehead declined to be drawn before the meeting on any specific options and compromises to be discussed, but said that: “FORP, BPRA and the school have been working collaboratively and we have structured solutions to the issues raised.”

Links
Park plan: Meeting seeks common ground
Daily Echo October 30, 2014: - Bitterne Park Primary School close to securing 25-year lease despite public's concerns
2014 Article outlining idea, including links to download Bitterne Park Primary School’s letter to residents and draft plan, and comments
2014 FORP calls public meeting over park plan
2007 Article on bitternepark.info 'Schools consult over parks plan'