School playing fields: 21 sell-offs have been approved by coalition.

(From Guardian Unlimited)

The education secretary, Michael Gove, has approved of the disposal of over 20 school playing fields since the coalition came to power two years ago, despite a pledge to protect sports pitches from development.

Figures released by the Department for Education show that the sale of school sports fields continues even though ministers declared in the coalition agreement that they would "seek to protect school playing fields."

The government has come under growing pressure over its investment in school sport as British athletes have shone during the Olympics.

In the latest high-profile intervention, Sir Keith Mills, chief …