Residents of Totnes, a historic market town in Devon, have initiated a series of protests to save a cherished piece of open land known as Lower Field. The King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) has received approval from the UK government to sell this 1.5-hectare plot to fund necessary refurbishments of the school's facilities.
Community Concerns
Every Saturday throughout autumn, locals gather at Lower Field to engage in various activities such as playing ballgames, flying kites, or simply enjoying the outdoors. This initiative, termed a "play protest," aims to highlight the significance of the land to the community.
Becca Robinson, a local fitness instructor, expressed her concerns:
“"It’s devastating. I’m trying to get women and girls to be more active and to get outdoors. The great thing about the field is it’s an open space, so it feels safe. It really worries me that, if we lost it, fewer women and girls will exercise."
The Importance of Lower Field
The field serves as a vital space for unstructured play, where community members can engage in spontaneous activities. Danielle McIlven, who organizes games of rounders, emphasized its role in her life:
“"It’s about the unstructured play that can take place there. In the summer you see swarms of teenagers playing there or heading down to the river."
Anna Ali, another local organizer, highlighted the hidden impoverishment in the area, stating:
“"Public green spaces are vital. I was speaking to a woman who brings her grandchildren here. They can’t afford to join sports clubs, so kicking a ball around on the field is a lifeline."
