School protesters move into trees

The protesters' Wembley Park site is known as Tent City

A group of teachers has occupied trees in north London to protest against plans to build a city academy on a sports ground.

The demonstrators have occupied Wembley Park Sports Ground since March.

On Saturday 50 demonstrators moved into tree houses on the site after they said they were threatened with eviction.

A Brent Council spokeswoman said it would not reverse its decision to allow Wembley Park City Academy to be built. It is due to be completed by 2010.

Protesters object to the sale of the land for the development of a privately-run city academy.

They want it to be built on an alternative site in the south of the borough and for the sports ground to remain intact.

Tents in trees

Protester Jean Roberts said: "Three times a week there are children up here from aged five up to adults, playing on the field, not causing a problem."

The sports ground is also the home pitch of Wembley Park Football Club.

Ms Roberts added: "We have got tents in the trees so we are occupying the trees on the site as well as part of the ground."

Brent Council denied it had threatened to evict protesters.

"The decision on Wembley Park City Academy was made months ago," she said. "It is all done and dusted."