I am writing this petition to express my deep concern and opposition to the proposed sale of the Broad Oak school playing field by East Sussex County Council. As a resident of East Sussex, I believe it is crucial to preserve this valuable community asset for the benefit of our local village and wider community.

Broad Oak Community Primary school holds a special place in our hearts, and its closure was already a great sadness for our community. Now, facing the prospect of losing not only the school site but also its adjacent playing field is even more disheartening. We cannot let this happen.

The proposed sale would undoubtedly result in houses being built on this precious land. Instead, I urge East Sussex County Council to consider an alternative solution that would allow us to retain the playing field as a vital recreational space accessible to everyone in Broad Oak.

Currently, there is only one other small recreational area in Broad Oak near the Village Hall. However, due to its proximity to a main road, it is rarely used and does not adequately meet our community's needs. Preserving the Broad Oak school playing field would provide us with an essential facility where families can gather, children can play sports, and individuals can enjoy outdoor activities.

To support our cause effectively, we must present accurate facts and statistics that demonstrate why preserving this playing field is crucial:

1) The loss of green spaces has been linked to negative impacts on mental health and well-being.
2) Accessible green spaces encourage physical activity among both children and adults.
3) Outdoor recreational areas foster social interaction within communities.
4) Studies have shown that proximity to parks or open spaces increases property values.

By keeping these facts in mind while considering our petition, we hope that East Sussex County Council will recognize how important it is for us as residents of East Sussex to maintain access to such vital communal resources.

In conclusion, I implore East Sussex County Council to reconsider the sale of the Broad Oak school playing field and instead explore options that would allow us to preserve this cherished space for our local village and wider community. Let us come together and ensure that future generations can enjoy the benefits of this valuable recreational area.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I trust that you will make the right decision in favor of our community's well-being.

Sincerely,
Rachel Wright