According to the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA), figures produced by the Department for Education and Skills show that planning authorities have approved the sale of 195 playing fields since October 1998 alone. NPFA director Elsa Davies said, 'The Government tries to put a spin on it, but the facts are very stark and clear. It is utterly disgraceful that they are allowing the sale of school playing fields in this way.
'How can the Government on the one hand announce a strategy for school sports and on the other get rid of sports grounds?'
She said that far from reversing the Conservative government's policy of selling off playing fields, the present Government has cleared the way for more sales by removing the six-acre standard that local authorities have traditionally used to ensure adequate facilities. Local authorities have now been told by the Government to do their own 'needs assessments' to determine sports ground provision.
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