A HEADTEACHER has set out her vision for the future of green space following criticism from action groups and governing bodies.

Karen Edwards is hopeful The Heights Primary School in Caversham will relocate to Mapledurham Playing Fields as part of plans to expand the school.

The long-running debate into the future of the school is drawing to a close, with Reading Borough Council's public consultation set to end on September 25.

Concerns have been mounted against the school, which would account for five per cent of the land in exchange for significant funding opportunities, but bodies including Sport England and the Football Association are among those to object.

The Education Funding Agency (EFA) is prepared to offer £1.36m to invest in recreational activities and with a matter of days left, Mrs Edwards is hoping to convince residents to back the plans.

She said: “As a P.E teacher of 27 years, I want to ensure children have access to the facilities they need to foster a lifelong passion for sport and healthy living.

“I could never support the siting of the school on the Playing Fields if I felt it would be at the expense of access to sport for others.

"This proposal will provide a greater range of facilities for our whole community. After all, the Fields are there for everyone and they should be capable of catering for everyone.

“I genuinely feel that by supporting the EFA’s proposal in the final consultation the community will be voting to make the most of the Playing Fields for the whole community.

"This is a rare occasion where I honestly believe it can be a win-win situation for all.”

Five initial sites were proposed for the Heights and 70 per cent of the responses identified Mapledurham as the best option.

The Heights was rated outstanding in its first Ofsted inspection, but currently operates from a small temporary site on Gosbrook Road and will be over capacity if it does not find a suitable premises.

Opposition groups, such as Caversham Trent FC, have objected to the loss of green space.