Durham education chiefs extend academy consultation

Jul 2 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal

Mr Watson wrote to schools minister Vernon Coaker urging him to intervene, saying the steelworks site is the most suitable. He told the minister: “The new build for academies/schools should be well thought out taking consideration of highways issues, safe access, parking and, indeed, whether students and children can get to and from school without the need for transport.

“An alternative, the Genesis site, clearly provides for this, has had previous assessment for such a proposal, but is not identified as a location.”

In Belmont residents are furious the council is considering building an academy on the site of a popular playing field and thriving community centre opposite the retail park.

The parish council organised two public meetings this week to canvass opinion.

Liberal Democrats Parliamentary Spokesperson for Durham, Carol Woods, said the extension of the consultation period was “ a small victory for common sense.” She added: “It was ridiculous of the Council to set such a short consultation period in the first place. They acted with unnecessary haste and didn’t even have the decency to speak to the local bodies that would be most keenly affected.

“Credit for this reversal should go to the members of the local community and the local parish council who expressed legitimate concern at the overly strict time constraints originally imposed.

“This is the first time throughout this long process the Council has shown any sign of listening to people. I only hope they continue to do so.”