Speak out about primary school plan (From Warrington Guardian)

Speak out about primary school plan

8:00am Thursday 25th January 2007

• Print
• Email
• Share

ON February 1, the development control committee will meet to consider a planning application to demolish Stockton Heath Primary School and build a new school in its place.

This is despite the fact that the planning application has previously been turned down. The previous decision was democratic, fair and, according to Mr John Groves, the planning officer, final.

So what's changed? Well, nothing.

The same people in their varying positions of influence are still pushing the plan forward.

On January 9, the Schools Organisation Committee agreed the proposals to expand the school to accommodate 420 pupils.

The school at present has 336 pupils so this will result in an additional 84 places.

The schools within a two-mile radius already have 805 surplus school places, so why was this decision taken?

The same people, in their varying positions of influence, are still pushing the plan forward.

Never, during this whole fiasco, have any clear logical reasons been given as to why a new and larger school is needed.

From the very beginning we, the public, have been fed misleading information and untruths: the building is crumbling', the majority of parents want a new build', the DfES won't fund any other option', etc.

Never have they been totally open and honest about what is really going on - the far bigger picture.

Do they really think we could spend all this time researching and still have no idea?

The public consultations were a farce, and went on and on and on, wasting more and more public funds, trying to prove' their case, they couldn't.

But whatever, they continue, thinking they can override public opinion, thinking they can tear the heart out of our community.

Well, they can't. We have rights, I for one will fight for mine, I'm sure others will join me. I have a voice and I intend to use it!

Julie Kueres Cobbs Estate

• Print
• Email
• Share