A COMMUNITY has been asked to rally together to bring a field back into use for residents.

Neighbours are campaigning to regain access to fenced-off land near Burnley High School.

Councillors said the land could be legally claimed if proven it has been used as a public right of way for more than 20 years.

The Chapel Street Community Schools Trust, which runs the school, said the Kiddrow Lane field was fenced off to provide security for its pupils.

Those who have used the field for more than two decades have been asked to show their support and sign a form. More than 30 people have already come forward.

Cllr Charlie Briggs said: “If we can get enough support and if we can show that people have used the area for years we can claim the land as a public right of way.

“We’ve had people send in photographs of their memories of the park and they are great, I’ve seen one of youngsters building a snowman from the 1990s.

“I can see the school’s argument to keep people off when it is being used. But what about when school finishes for the day, or the summer holidays?”

Campaigners fought to keep the site as a green space for the community in 2014 after fears it could be sold off to developers by Lancashire County Council.

It was then leased to the high school. However a councillor said an informal discussion was held to keep the land open. But a spokesman for the trust, which runs the school, said no formal agreement was promised.

Cllr Neil Mottershead said: “I want to hear from everyone who has used the site for more than 20 years. We need all the help we can get.”

Victoria Povey, the school’s headteacher, said: “The fields are still used by the community. We have 19 football teams that use the field. It is really well used.

“The teams are having to clean up after dogs fouling. It was not very pleasant.

“We, as a school, took the decision to close the fields for the safeguarding of our children. We cannot have people roaming around during class time.

“The field is still available to be booked by the community if they wish to hold an event, such as a fair.”

Those who wish to sign the form can email nmottershead@burnley.gov.uk. The Government’s website states prescription is the acquisition of a right of access through long use or enjoyment. It states the user must have had access for 20 years before the claim can be made.