Up to £150,000 needs to be found from Southend Council coffers to cover the cost of re-laying three school playing fields after they were found to be unsafe.

Although they were only laid between 1992 and 1994, pupils at Prittlewell School have been unable to use pitches since March this year after officers declared they were a serious health and safety risk.

Councillors on the education committee are today being asked to agree to cash being taken from reserves to replace the fields as soon as possible.

Assistant education director Alastair Robertson said: "The school has had continual problems with the state of the three sports pitches on the west side of the school since they were first laid.

"The ground had been levelled to provide the pitches as part of the overall contract in the building of the new school. Various remedial works have been attempted since 1994, but with little success.

"In March, we had to stop the use of the pitches as they were found to be uneven with many hollows, had inconsistent grass cover exposing the sandy soil below and drainage lines were clearly evident.

"A detailed survey indicated that the pitches had been constructed to inadequate specifications."

As the sand base of the pitches is too shallow and there is no irrigation, the council has found they need to be completely restripped and reseeded, at a cost of up to £50,000 each.

However, even if work started this term they would not be ready for use until September 2001. This timescale could be shortened if the pitches were turfed but this would cost a further £20,000 per pitch.

Meanwhile, pupils are missing out on the PE curriculum as they are relying on one remaining pitch and the use of indoor facilities at the Chase Sports Centre.

However, work due to be undertaken at the centre will restrict the school's use, and the headteacher believes an extra £9,000 will be needed to pay for extra equipment and transport to ensure the pupils can undertake their PE lessons.

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