JCG hits back at wellbeing field fence concerns

Thursday 06 June 2024

A local school has hit back at concerns about the construction of metal fence around its "wellbeing field", claiming that the barrier is "necessary for the security and safeguarding of the students" using it.

The outdoor space will be for Jersey College for Girls and Jersey College Prep pupils to use for recreation, learning, informal games and ecological study to benefit students' wellbeing and mental health.

In March, students from both schools worked alongside charity Trees for Life to plant the hedgerow that will surround the field.

Pictured: Students have been involved in planting a variety of trees around the perimeter of the field.

But one individual, who lives nearby, recently told Express that the field was "not looking so beautiful now" due to the construction of the metal fence and the pouring of concrete to secure it.

They raised concerns that this was "obliterating the hedgerow and saplings along the way".

Pictured: An nearby resident told Express that the field was "not looking so beautiful" following the construction of a metal fence.

However, JCG principal Carl Howarth pointed out that the construction of the fence was "necessary for the security and safeguarding of the students" who will be using the field, noting that "all the parameters for it were approved as part of the planning application."

He said: “Everyone at the College was very pleased to have plans for the wellbeing field approved last year.

"It will be a fantastic facility for our students to use for recreation, as well as outdoor learning and ecological study, which will benefit their physical and mental health."

Pictured: JCG principal Carl Howarth said the fence was "necessary for the security and safeguarding of the students".

Mr Howarth continued: "As mentioned in the Planning Statement, the JILSCA had raised concerns that the hedgerows were falling into disrepair.

"Earlier this year, students from both Prep and JCG were involved in planting a variety of trees around the perimeter of the field to improve the biodiversity of the site.”

Islanders living in the area had also previously expressed concerns that fencing off the field to safeguard students would limit public access to a path from the Longueville area to Mont Millais.