Popular school to
be bulldozed
by Gary Skentelbery
PROPOSALS to bulldoze a popular village primary school which dates back to Victorian days have been given the green light by Warrington Council’s Executive Board.
The scheme was approved despite fierce opposition from some parents and local residents opposed to the ?3.9 million scheme to demolish Stockton Heath Primary School and replace it with a new one.
Coun Colin Froggatt, (pictured) Executive Board Member for Children?s Services, said: ?I am delighted with this decision. We have considered a number of options and a new build really is the best way forward for the short and long term future of the children, staff and school.
?An extensive consultation was carried out with all interested parties and more than two thirds of the represented community was in favour of a new build and this was strongly taken into consideration during the decision process.
?The current school buildings are in serious need of repair, and as the health and safety of our children and staff is paramount, the new build will provide them with a safe and modern environment in which to teach and learn.
?The children and their education takes priority and as the new build will be completed sooner than a repair programme, this option will result in the least disruption to their learning.
?We firmly believe that every child matters in Warrington and the approach we are taking with this project completely reflects that thinking.?
A report to the borough council’s executive board had recommended that demolition of the school should go ahead, despite strong opposition from parents and nearby residents.
The report stated: “Whilst there is a significant desire in the community not to lose the old Victorian building, it is outweighed by both the practical advantages and general community opinion which favour the new build option.”
Proposals for a new school ahave been under consideration since last December, when the Government announced the award of a capital grant of ?3.1 million subject to Warrington Borough Council making the sum up to ?3.9 million.
But parents and residents were strongly opposed to demolition of the old school and persuaded the council to investigate another option – refurbishment and extension of the existing school.
The new build option would meet all the needs of staff, governors and parents and could be built with the available funding and would be completed by the summer of 2007.
Refurbishment would meet the majority, but not all, of the requirements, would exceed available resources by about ?500,000 and would not be ready until 12 months later.
Call to veterans
WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is calling on veterans to contact her to ensure they receive the new veteran?s badge.
The Ministry of Defence is awarding an impressive new veteran?s lapel badge to be worn on civilian attire for all those who served in the First and Second World Wars. The badge has been developed by the government in conjunction with veteran?s organisations and is intended to help people recognise veterans and their contribution to Britain.
Helen said: ?I have launched a campaign to make sure that all our veterans from the war are able to wear the badge in this sixtieth anniversary year of VE and VJ Day. It is right that we make sure the service personnel who kept Britain free are recognised for the contribution they have made to our country and their community.
?I am asking anyone who thinks they may be entitled to a veteran?s badge to get in touch with my office so that I can apply for the badge on their behalf.” Helen can be contacted on 01925 232 480 or e-mail [email protected] or by writing to Gilbert Wakefield House, 67 Bewsey Street, Warrington, WA2 7JQ.
Following in Jamie
Oliver’s footsteps
FOLLOWING Jamie Oliver?s crusade to revolutionise school dinners and promote healthy eating, the staff of CPS, in Culcheth near Warrington, were invited to talk to children about the benefits of healthy eating and the environmental impact of bringing food to the supermarket shelves.
CPS Store Manager, Pete Walker and his colleague Marea Williams spoke to the children at Twiss Green Primary School as part of their ?Go Green? day.
Marea Williams, said; ?We work hard to provide our customers will the best fresh produce, we buy our fruit and vegetables daily and whenever possible from local farms and markets. For many years the store has operated its own environmental policy which actively encourages those working at the store to act responsibly with regard to the impact of our business on the local environment.
“During the day we tested the children?s knowledge of some of our more unusual produce, such as sweet potato, fennel, advocado and mango. There were a few turned up noses and some surprises but they will definitely be able to identify a wider variety of produce and why they are good for them.?
Picture shows Peter walker and Marie williams from CPS with pupils Ali, Olivia and Jessicca.
New IT suite boosts
student facilities
A new IT suite has been unveiled at Fairfield Community House, much to the delight of students at a Warrington College.
Fairfield Community House, which is part of Warrington Collegiate, educates people aged 19 or above. The new suite was opened to coincide with the first day of term for many students.
The suite will be used for English, I.T and Maths classes, and has been built downstairs in the building to provide wheelchair friendly access to students.
Ros Pilkington, lifelong learning co-ordinator at Warrington Borough Council, was on hand to officially open the suite.
Carole Houghton, who works at Fairfield House said: ?We are delighted with this new IT facility. It is a fantastic asset which will benefit people of all ages who study here.?
Volunteers fair
THE Volunteer Centre, Warrington is holding a Volunteers Fair on Friday October 28.
Taking place at The Gateway between 10.30am and 2.30pm, the event is aimed towards raising awareness of the many volunteering opportunities available in Warrington. People can find out more information and ask questions about volunteering whilst having some fun at the same time!
Attractions on the day include craft stalls, community cafe, holistic therapies and information stands from a variety of Warrington charities. As it is half term, we also have activities for the children, including face painting, a soft play area and a chance to come along and meet ‘Wolfie.’
This event is open to everybody. For further details please contact the Volunteer Centre on 01925 637609.
Charity Ceilidh
A CHARITY Ceilidh takes place at Lymm Rugby Union Club on Friday October 14 in aid of Breathrough Breat Cancer.
Ticket priced ?15 include dancing to a Ceilidh band amd hot pot supper.
For tickets: ‘Phone 01925 751769 / 01925 244459.
