New Saddleworth School can finally happen!
Now that the period to call a judicial review is over the building of a Saddleworth school can finally happen.
Saddleworth Life has sought a few views on the news:
Garth Harkness, Councillor Saddleworth North Ward, said “I am delighted that a new school can now be finally be built. I have always been clear from day one that I want a new school wherever the Education Funding Agency saw it as appropriate. It has been clear for some time that that place was Diggle. There has been a lot of strong feeling about this and at times I have been met with abuse. We now need to move on from this.”
The process has gone on for over 7 years and has seen a series of delays including a Judicial Review on the previous application.
Councillor Garth Harkness then added: “The planning committee has come under some reasonable criticism recently and it is clear that the process over Saddleworth School was not handled well in the past. I have to say that the scrutiny, process and attention to detail on with regards to the recent Saddleworth school application has been excellent”
“Some people will not be happy with the outcome and there has been a lot of contention. We now need to make it work for everyone and deliver the new school.”
“Diggle was not my preferred site for a number of reasons. I’m glad that people feel happy that they’re finally getting the school sorted but I fear that this will be a repent at leisure situation. Especially where the railway track is concerned” Helen – local community worker.
George Hulme, Labour Councillor for Saddleworth North, said “This is excellent news for the children and parents of Saddleworth. The current school was falling apart when I when there. Oldham’s Labour Council is investing around £1m into Diggle as part of the development.”
“I am a parent of two boys that have both attended Saddleworth School in Uppermill. They both started with the promise of a new school before they left. They both thrived and achieved good grades even within the poor state of the School.
“They left over 6 years ago.
“It is a great relief to hear that the decision to get on and build the new school has finally been made. Neither site proposed are ideal but our children need new and fresh accommodation to ensure a healthy and productive learning environment. I also look forward to more positive, constructive discussions on the benefits for our children of an improved learning space, affecting both peace of mind and mental wellbeing.
I hope Saddleworth can now leave behind the negativity associated with the controversy over the location of the School. ”
Jude Gidney – Parent and Editor – Saddleworth Life
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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