There then followed a public meeting convened by the Parish Council to discuss the objections raised by several villagers concerning the erection of a fence on the village green.

District Councillor Simon Hoare chaired the meeting. He explained that Tony Croft and Mrs. Ryde, headmistress of Leafield School would speak in support of the fence whereas Mrs Sheila Tremlett would speak against the fence. Mr. Hoare made it clear that everyone should have the opportunity to speak and should not be heckled so that no one could claim they were too intimidated to speak.

Mr. Croft summarised the history behind the construction of the fence. He explained that the school had approached the Parish Council with a view to using the piece of land for a garden for the children to learn about botany, nature and horticulture. The Council had sought legal advice from the National Association of Local Councils on this matter and they had stated that having a fence on the village green would not contradict the Commons Act of 1876 if it could be argued that the reason for doing it was for the better enjoyment of the village green. A gate had been constructed within the fence so access to the enclosed area was available to all people at all times. Mr. Croft read out a letter from the Society for Open Spaces who asked that the fence be taken down. He also read out that the clerk’s written reply to this letter, informing the Society of the full facts behind the construction of the fence.

Mrs. Ryde then spoke on behalf of Leafield School. She stated that the fence was for the benefit of the children of the village. She also stated that if the fence had to be taken down, it would be taken down. If the fence had to be lowered, then it would be lowered.

Sheila Tremlett then spoke in opposition to the construction of the fence. She stated that she believed that this enclosure contravened the Commons Act of 1876. She also explained that she had received a letter from the solicitor for Oxfordshire County Council explaining the basis of this law. Mrs. Tremlett argued that this fence was only for the benefit for the children of the school and not for the whole of the village.

The meeting was then opened up to anyone who wished to comment.

Mr. Paul Forecastle from Lower End spoke. He stated that his job involved teaching children about wildlife. He believed that the construction of the fence and making the area available for children to plant things was a good idea. He also stated that the purpose of the Parish Council was to make decisions such as this which they believed were in the best interests of the village.

Mrs. Charlie Marshall from Fairspear Road spoke. She stated that she was a teacher with two children at the school. She explained that this argument against the fence seemed to be over principles of law, when she felt that the overriding factor in this was something that would be beneficial to the children of the village.

Mrs. Valerie Taylor, who lived directly below the school then spoke. She stated that she believed that the Parish Council had given away the piece of land, something they weren’t legally allowed to do.

Mr. Bob Taylor, Mrs. Taylor’s husband, then spoke. He explained that he had taught in Islington, London. He questioned the need for a garden for the school when children in cities don’t have this opportunity.

Mrs. Blake from Denia Cottage then spoke. She was concerned that this fence being constructed on the village green would set a precedent for future applications and intrusions on the village green.

Mr. Michael Adams, a resident of Leafield then spoke. He stated that as a village, we’re extremely fortunate to have a village school. He stated that the activities of the school should be seen and experienced by the rest of the village.

Mr. Owen Green, Chair of Leafield school board of governors then spoke. He explained that the area was designed to encourage the children to be more responsible in their community. It was providing a facilility for them which they wouldn’t otherwise have. He explained that the Parish Council had been approached in 2002 by the school and the school had initially enquired about leasing the land.

Mr. Rob MacKay, who had one child at the school, then spoke. He stated that he believed that there should have been better communication between the Council and the local residents before the fence was constructed. He hoped that better consultation would take place in future.

Mr. Paul Hooper, who lived directly opposite the school, then spoke. He said he was surprised when the fence suddenly appeared. He stated, however, that he was pleased that the school has such an area which is safe from dogs and stops the children from straying off the green.

Mr. John Cochrane, whose four children had all been to the school, then spoke. He stated that the small garden would be beneficial especially for four year-olds who needed to be contained. He stated that the children are the future of the village. He also thanked the Parish Council for their efforts in this matter.

Mr. Roddy Llewellyn, who lives opposite the village green and whose youngest daughter went to the school, then spoke. He said it was a joy to hear children playing. He said it was a god sent opportunity for children to learn about horticulture, his chosen profession. They could also learn about recycling, an important topic in these times.

Mr. Croft, Mrs. Ryde and Mrs. Tremlett then made closing remarks. The motion was then put forward by Mrs. Tremlett that the fence was constructed illegally and should be taken down.

This motion was defeated by a huge majority.

A motion was then put forward and seconded that the Parish Council apply for retrospective planning permission for the fence.

This motion was passed by a majority.

A third motion was then put forward by Tony Croft asking if those present believed the decision by the Parish Council to allow the fence to be constructed was “for the better enjoyment of the village”.

This motion was passed with a huge majority

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.

The Time and Date of the next council meeting will be 8.00pm Wednesday 27th April 2005 in the playgroup room of Leafield Village Hall.

Dated……………. Signed……………………………….LPC Chairman