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Ashmount School |
Paedophile fears over school at ‘isolated’ site
POLICE have serious misgivings – including fears about child molesters – over plans to move an Archway primary school to a new building at a nearby recreation ground.
Dense foliage, hidden pathways and the fact that Crouch Hill Recreation Ground already has a problem with anti-social behaviour will make it potentially difficult to police, they have warned. Ashmount School has plans to move from Hornsey Lane to a new building at the recreation ground.
A report by police officers who have studied the semi-derelict site warns of a paedophile danger. “Certain types of offenders with an unwelcome interest in children may frequent the site,” it states. “The woodland environment may create opportunities for potential offenders to view children while not being observed themselves.
“A woodland environment gives potential offenders a ready-made explanation for carrying a camera or binoculars.”
The report by a Metropolitan Police crime prevention and design advisor was one of the factors which prompted Islington Council’s north area planning committee to defer making a decision on the £6 million project last month.
Under the controversial plan, the school building in Hornsey Lane would be demolished to make way for flats. A new four-storey school would be built at the three-acre recreation ground. Bowlers Nursery and the derelict Cape Youth Centre on the site would be renovated and brought back into use.
The police report’s main concern was with the site’s isolation. “This proposed woodland site may provide a healthy learning environment for children,” it says. “However, the main issue surely must be to create a safe and secure learning environment.
“Natural surveillance is normally achieved by residents whose houses overlook a school. Or by pedestrians or road users passing by the school.
“Unfortunately, this location does not provide sufficient opportunities for passive observation, throughout the day and evening.
“The proposed Ashmount School site is remote and isolated. It is not overlooked and there will be little opportunity for natural surveillance.”
However, a police officer told the north area committee that none of the problems mentioned in the report were insurmountable.
The north area committee is expected to make a decision on the plans at its Islington town hall meeting at 7.30pm on Tuesday, October 13. |
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