Anger over site for new school (From News Shopper)

Anger over site for new school

10:52am Wednesday 9th February 2005 in

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GOVERNORS of a Deptford school have accused the council of giving a poor service to black and ethnic minorities over plans for a new school.

The board of governors at Edmund Waller Primary made the comments in a consultation on the new secondary for the north of the borough.

A £22m four-form entry school is to be built on the site of the Ladywell Leisure Centre but will have a temporary home on the former Hither Green Primary School site in Leahurst Road for three years.

The consultation was held to gather public opinion on the plans for the temporary site.

This was prior to official notice being given the school will open in September 2006.

The report says the Waller Road school's governing body is concerned the new school will not solve the problem of places for children in Deptford and New Cross.

Because of the area's large numbers of black and ethnic minorities it also accuses the council of poor service towards these groups.

Chairman of governors Judy Harrington said: "We've been making this argument for a long time and we don't feel anyone has listened or that it is the council's priority.

"Children, many with special needs, don't get school places which are anything like their first choice or anywhere like in the north of the borough.

"We find it impossible to believe the council couldn't put a school in the north west of the borough if it wanted to, but in our experience these plans will go ahead."

Local Education Action for Parents' (LEAP) Councillor Helen LeFevre backed the view, saying the plans will not help youngsters in Deptford and New Cross.

Council papers reveal 38 per cent of respondents questioned the school's location, 64 per cent expressed concerns over the plans and five per cent felt the consultation would not even influence decision making.

Max Calo, chairman of the save Ladywell Leisure Centre campaign, said: "I don't think anybody is surprised by this.

"The council legally has to consult but it does not really believe in consultations.

"Elections are the only consultation they are interested in."

On February 2, Lewisham's mayor and cabinet voted to accept the report on the temporary site and agreed to move ahead on a full consultation on the new school site.

A Lewisham Council spokesman said: "Concerns surrounding places in the north of the borough will be met through the creation of a new school and expansion of Northbrook School.

"This is part of a wider programme of school improvements and educational provision for all children in the borough.

"Lewisham is committed to improving educational opportunities for all young people, including members of black and minority ethnic communities.

"Lewisham Council is actively working with partners and parents throughout the planning process and will carry out a public consultation for the Ladywell site."