After more than a decade of campaigning,

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After the committee vote on June 28, the school said in a statement: “We are deeply disappointed by the decision, but nevertheless thank the committee for its consideration of this matter. Our first priority remains ensuring the best possible educational experience for our students in a happy and secure environment, and this lies at the heart of everything we do. We will now carefully reflect on the outcome.”

At the time of going to print, Cotham School had not responded to the Voice’s request for an interview.

Cotham School erected the 2m high fence, and restricted public access in 2019, after being granted a lease to use the field for PE by Bristol City Council.

Now, five years after they first applied for Town Green status for the site, the campaign group We Love Stoke Lodge (WLSL) has convinced the council to agree to the formal designation, which means the public will have unfettered access.

Some of the debate centred on historic use of the field – WLSL said the fields had been used by local people for decades. A previous application for Town Green status was turned down in 2016.

Since the fence was erected there have been numerous public rows between the school and campaigners, including claims of criminal damage of the fence and gates – culminating last year when the school installed covert CCTV cameras.

WLSL campaigner Helen Powell told the Voice: “We are waiting for the official designation to be registered and then expect the school to remove the fence.

“A lot depends on what approach Cotham School take – we really hope they will work with the community, so we can all make a fresh start. We hope this will be the start of something new.”

Helen, who led the campaign with fellow resident Emma Burgess, said the battle had taken up much of their spare time, and a lot of money in legal fees.

About 40 WLSL campaigners attended the meeting of BCC’s Public Rights of Way and Greens

Committee on June 28, where after a discussion six members voted in favour of Town Green status, one against and two abstentions.

Two signs put up on either 1985 or 1986 by Avon County Council formed a major part of committee's debate. Barristers advising the council had said