A Much Wenlock school has withdrawn its application to install floodlights to facilitate evening sports in order to safeguard the welfare of a group of bats. A colony of common pipistrelle bats is roosting in the old youth club building on the William Brookes site, and, as all bats are protected under UK law, the installation cannot go ahead because of the possibility of disturbing the animals.
A spokesperson says, “Governors are aware that many students will be disadvantaged by this, as planned extra-curricular clubs will not now be possible in the outdoor sports facilities during Autumn and Spring Terms; however, the school will ensure that a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities will remain available to all our students.”
