The footpath across Rye’s College and Primary School is being locked for longer, leaving local residents confused and angry. The path, which links the Rye Leisure Centre car park with Tillingham Avenue, is now closed to walkers for much of the day.
Restrictions were put in place at the end of April – previously the path was only closed during the school day. A sign placed at either end of the footpath explains the gates will only be open for two short periods before 9am and after 3pm, although this has since been clarified by the primary school.
Until recently Chris McGrath was a regular user of the footpath along with his wife Susan, who uses a wheelchair, from their home on The Grove. “The path is well used by young and old exercising and is particularly valuable to us as it is level and safe. The gates used to be open except for playtime and during some teaching, but now they’re closed for most of the day. It’s ridiculous to have them shut for so long.”
A spokesperson for Rye Community Primary School explained the reason for the gates being closed for much longer. ” We understand the convenience the pathway offers residents. However, being mindful of our duty of care for pupils, we will be closing the gates when children, young people and staff are in school. When this is not the case, residents will be able to use the pathway to cut across the site. We hope this approach gives some certainty to those affected by the change.”
The spokesperson did not comment on whether the latest decision was based on a specific reason or incident.
Chris McGrath has vowed to fight the decision and says he intends to get the path registered as a public right of way. “When we moved in 11 years ago it was basically a public footpath but then the Alcatraz fences and gates went up. I’m sure the school management will have reasons, but they have made no effort to communicate and work with the community on this.”
Image Credits: James Stewart .
This appears to be a growing happening in and around schools, sadly. Here in Hastings Old Town, I regularly pass schools which are screened off from public view. I appreciate that there may be the occasional risk of danger from a passer by- lack of local policing- but children should feel safe within their school boundaries, without being shut off.
There is no mention of the Highways Authority in this article. All maps show this as a public Right of Way. Somebody somewhere must know with certainty the legality of the closure. Safety is always desirable, but you cannot close down the whole world to access.
Gates were closed when we tried to walk to the pool at 3.40.pm very confusing. Rye school is part of our community and should work with all the community. I am sure Ofstead would find this lack of connection to the local community a retrograde move.