Recession drives families to inner areas

THE economic recession is driving young families into inner areas of Warrington where there are more affordable homes – and increasing pressure on local primary schools.
Although the borough has an adequate number of primary school places overall, in some areas the change in demographics is leading to a shortfall off places.
In some cases, children are moving from the parts of the borough where they were born into inner areas and in others, people from outside Warrington are being attracted in by lower housing costs.
As a result, Town Hall bosses are being recommended to support plans to enlarge schools in Bewsey and Whitecross, Orford, Fairfield and Howley and at Westbrook, Whittle Hall and Great Sankey.
It was only back in 2008/9 that a period of population decline led to the borough council cutting the number of primary school places.
But a report to be presented to the executive board by Cllr Colin Froggatt, executive member for children’s services (pictured), indicates that birth rates in some part of Warrington have been increasing significantly.
In addition house building has continued, despite the economic downturn.
The report states: “As a consequence of the economic recession, the number of owner occupiers has reduced and families have moved into more affordable homes, including apartments and social housing.
“This could explain the higher than anticipated demand in central Warrington, especially in relation to the schools in the Fairfield and Howley ward.”
More places have been agreed at Brook Acre, Oakwood Avenue and St Elphin’s CE primary schools – at St Elphin’s there is already a commitment to increase capacity from 315 to 420 places.
Councillors are now being asked to agreed to extend Bewsey Lodge Primary to provide 305 places and to provide 305 places at Evelyn Street Primary.
It is also proposed to increase the number of places at Oakwood Avenue Primary from 420 to 630 and to hold talks with church authorities to extend St Andrews CE Primary to provide 420 places.
In addition, it is proposed that 105 additional places be created between Great Sankey Primary and Park Road Primary and to discuss with church authorities extending St Phillips CE Primary to 630 places.