Warning plea on new school plans

JOE WHEELER

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THE former head boy of a school riven by disputes over its new location is making a heartfelt plea to get it built.

Joe Wheeler warned if the Saddleworth School issue was not settled it could lead to community and school links being "permanently broken."

The heartfelt video in his own words is posted on Saddleworth parents website and has had thousands of views.

Joe says when he joined Year 7 at the 1,300 pupil school six years ago they were told they would have moved to a new state of the art facility by the time he completed his education.

But building the school is still mired in controversy and he said: "The only thing any of this is about, is the pupils, the staff and the Saddleworth School community.

"It's about the pupils being in a safe learning environment in which they are given every chance to succeed within their education.

"It's about the staff no longer coming into work every morning and facing the challenges of disruption to the lesson by having water leak through the ceiling, or strips of wallpaper fall to the floor for no apparent reason, or having to totally change lesson plans because of last minute relocation of classrooms due to repairs.

"It's about mending the broken links that made our community separate over recent years," he stressed.

"We need to come together the way we always have and show our support for the modernisation of education in Saddleworth.

"I have learned there are two things that make Saddleworth the remarkable and unique place it is: the school and the community.

"The key thing about these two factors is that you can never have one without the other.

"If the support of the community is separated from the school, then the school would fail to function. Likewise, if the school was taken away from the community, it would also fail to operate.

"If either of the links that connect these two factors are permanently broken, then so is Saddleworth as a whole.

"I know it may seem very drastic, but this unfortunately is the inevitable truth of our current situation.

"We have one final chance to save the legacy of Saddleworth School from being taken away for good.

"If the new school faces any more delays, we run the very real risk of losing Saddleworth for good. Not just the school but everything that makes this place our home that we all undoubtedly love."

He went on: "Hundreds and hundreds of people have spent years now fighting for this school to be built. I am urging those who have, do not give up.

"The tide is turning and we are on the verge of success, but it is not enough. We need the support of our local communities to join us and help to stop the delay, and find a way to get this school built in the shortest possible time."

And he urged locals to sign the Saddleworth Parents petition and spread the word on social media.

Thirza Dixon, spokesperson the Saddleworth Parents group, said: "Joe sums up the need for a new Saddleworth School perfectly.

"He reminds us pupils of the school are not oblivious the shameful display of argument, half truths and speculation the new Saddleworth School project has fuelled.

"It has divided our community and let down our children," she added.

Joe has previously featured in the Chronicle after saying pupils felt "betrayed" by the ongoing battle over the new school's siting delaying its construction.

The petition Saddleworth Parents Facebook page or Email: saddleworthparents@gmail.com