The closure of a lane leading to Sir Thomas Picton School’s rugby field could stop play as health and safety fears mount.

The Western Telegraph understands a private lane, leading from Shoals Hook Lane, Prendergast, was gated and padlocked when pupils returned to school in September, restricting access for emergency and teachers’ vehicles.

Concerns over health and safety issues could result in games no longer taking place on the pitch unless a permanent solution can be found.

The lane, owned by the Llewellyn family, had been used as access for many years, but at the start of the school year games had to be stopped while access for emergency services was assessed.

Parents are also concerned that children’s safety could be compromised when playing contact sports, where historically a teacher’s car would be positioned nearby in case of injuries.

A spokesman for the Local Education Authority said: “The authority is negotiating to resolve this matter as quickly as possible as it is interfering with the school’s PE curriculum.”

Currently a temporary compromise has been reached whereby the school notifies the family that access is required and a second gate, at the opposite end of the field is left open.

Sarah Llewellyn, who is also a school governor, told the Western Telegraph that her family were in communication with the local authority and she is in contact with school site manager John Hodge regularly – but no reason for closing the lane was given.

“We are trying to work with the school to ensure the sports needs of the children are being catered for in the interim,” she added.