A petition against a City of Yarra Council decision to remove a gate at Alphington Grammar has reached over 3,800 signatures.
The petition was started three years ago, but has come to light again with council recently reaffirming its 2020 decision ordering Alphington Grammar to remove the gate.
The gate across Old Heidelberg Road, which provides access to the Darebin Creek trail, has long been kept closed to the public during and after school hours, with access limited to students and staff for safety and security reasons.
READ MORE: Alphington Grammar calls on support as council moves to tear down school gate
“The Council are willing to spend $400,000 to tear down a fence which puts the safety of children, teachers and staff at significant risk of death or catastrophic injury,” the petition reads.
“The school and school community are disappointed and outraged and the School will continue to pursue the decision of the Yarra City Council further.”
In an opinion piece published by Neos Kosmos on July 9, concerned local Anna Chatzinikolaou argues that extending the road through school grounds is a “dangerous, divisive, and unnecessary proposal”.
She also suggests what the council must consider before moving forward.
The petition can be found on change.org and is called ‘Protect the students and staff of Alphington Grammar School’.
