Disgusted by decision on school plan

9:14am Thursday 8th February 2007

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I, AND many other people, were disgusted but not surprised by the decision of the borough council's development control committee to demolish Stockton Heath Primary School and replace it with the new minimum standard, stereotype building.

This was the second application submitted by the council, the first having been rejected in March 2006. Since then, the council has used subliminal and unprofessional tactics to get its own way.

What has happened to the Liberal Democrats' statement, when they gained control of the council, in May 2006, that they were committed to listening to the people'?

There has always been overwhelming community opposition to the demolition of this fine Edwardian building.

There is a wealth of evidence showing the folly of implementing poor standard, new school buildings. Have they listened? NO.

I didn't hear any evidence, presented by the speakers supporting the application, to justify this project. Even the two teachers who addressed the committee didn't offer any substantial reasons. Their speeches were emotional and not relevant in planning law.

I wonder just how much of the original Government funding is left to build the new school after the hundreds of thousands of pounds wasted by the incompetent handling of this issue.

Tim Warren, the man who spearheaded this ill-conceived project, won't be worrying about that, as I am informed that he has left the employ of Warrington Borough. Was this voluntary? I believe that he made his farewell speech the day before the development control meeting.

Colin Dakin Stockton Heath