YOUR readers may recall that just over one year ago there was a vast feeling of anger and disappointment when the county council proposed the sale of most of the playing fields at Wareham Middle School.

Opposition to this was made in writing by most local organisations including Wareham Town Council, Purbeck District Council, Wareham Town Trust, and the two current community users of the site, namely Wareham Rangers Junior Football Club and Wareham Cricket Club. Paper and e-petitions containing over 1,000 names were also presented to the county opposing this sale and with just one individual supporting it.

Ignoring these views, county have recently submitted an application to the Secretary of State for Education to now dispose of them as being no longer required for educational purposes.

The fact that they are now seeking an alternative site surely means that they are still required for education.

The legislation under which they can be sold also states that local community users should not be disadvantaged.

For many years these facilities have been the home of Wareham Rangers Junior Football Club for training and playing their games and for Wareham Cricket Club for its junior games.

No provision for cricket or for junior football will be provided on the alternative site which would be used exclusively by Purbeck School.

With little other facilities available in the immediate area this could have a disastrous effect on two local clubs.

If you share our concerns then please write to the education department at School Assets Team, Room LG, 36 Mowden Hall, Staindrop Road, Darlington DL3 9BG.

R E HUSKINSON, Chairman, Wareham Cricket Club