The Labour Party's pre-election manifesto included a commitment to halt the sale of school playing fields across the country.

But since 1997 the Government has appeared unwilling to prevent cash-starved schools selling off land to fund rebuilding projects.

And, despite significant cash injections, local authorities do not have the vast amounts of money needed to rebuild rotting schools.

Ashmole School in Southgate wants to sell a fifth of its site to developers. Barnet Council has no spare money and governors say it is the only way to pay for urgent work.

Neighbouring residents continue to oppose the scheme despite changes ,, less houses are now proposed and the position of new school buildings has changed.

Ashmole and Barratt Homes appear to have compromised ,, perhaps residents can now come to an agreement too? The education of future generations is at stake and we all know how important that is.