CAMPAIGNERS are fighting to get disused school fields in York opened to the public, to help plug a desperate need for more open space in their neighbourhood.

Manor School moved in 2009, and the fields on the old site between Boroughbridge Road and the railway tracks have been unused and surrounded by “no entry” signs for years.

But families and councillors in Acomb say that with a shortage of decent green space for people in the area, the fields need to be accessible again.

Mum-of-two Viv Chamberlain-Kidd lives nearby and desperately wants her children to have more chances to be active, and as a volunteer at a youth group she says older children in Acomb do not have enough places to go.

She said: “There are plenty of play areas for younger children, and that’s great, but there is really nothing for older children.”

Opening the old school fields would also help adults in the area stay active, she added, and a trim trail or outdoor gym would be a great way of using the space and helping people stay healthy.

In the longer term, Viv said she is worried that housing plans for the site will not include enough open space to cater for all the new residents.

Acomb councillor Stuart Barnes, pictured, was due to meet senior council staff today to ask for their help. He said: “I think it’s tragic that there is such a shortage of public open space in Acomb and yet this area of playing field is currently fenced off to the public.”

He is also concerned that early talks on the redevelopment have hinted at new sports facilities being provided in Nether Poppleton. Cllr Barnes added: “I’m not at all happy at current proposals to see Acomb residents being expected to bear the brunt of proposed new housing on the British Sugar site while residents in Nether Poppleton are in line to see the benefits in the form of new sports facilities.

"This seems fundamentally unfair and I want to see plans brought forward as quickly as possible to develop part of the old Manor School playing fields into an open space that can be used by the community.

"I often hear from people on the doorstep and at community drop-in sessions that they or their kids are fed up at the lack of parks, open spaces and leisure facilities that are enjoyed by residents in other parts of the city.

“They want somewhere that can be used by everyone for their leisure, health and well-being.”