WITH reference to the article “Let us use ex-school’s open space” (The Press, August 24), I am pleased to see Labour councillor for Acomb Stuart Barnes campaigning to get the disused playing fields at the former Manor School site opened to the public.

This is a great initiative and one which has my full support.

As the school holidays draw to a close, it is clear that there is a major shortage of open space in Acomb.

With future development planned in the area, it is vital that infrastructure is also put in place. Opening the school playing fields would provide the whole community with a space to exercise, and young people in particular need good local amenities. It is one way that York can address the growing national obesity crisis.

Opening up the land at Manor School to members of the public is vital to the people of Acomb. I hope everyone will support the initiative and get involved too.

People can show their support by signing the petition online: http://chn.ge/2bdIdiP or via Twitter #AskAcomb.

The local community should be at the heart of putting together the plans for this space, so together we can create a facility which benefits everyone in Acomb and across the city.

Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central