Playing fields

Sir, Your recent correspondence on the loss of playing fields (September 8) has concentrated on schools’ facilities. Much larger acreages are at risk when local authorities, government departments, banks and utility companies, for example, dispose of grounds which have either become financial burdens, or are no longer appropriate for the recreation of their employees.

In recent years the London Playing Fields Society has saved four grounds in Greater London, totalling 106 acres. Three of these have already been returned to full use. This has been achieved by the formation of innovative partnerships — ranging from the Sports Lottery to other charities. Furthermore, the rental from the letting of space to commercial leisure operators within new sports buildings subsidises the inherently loss-making grass fields. These would otherwise be vulnerable to development. The result is a sustainable operation accessible to the whole local community.