New school decision by Christmas?

A DECISION on the site of the new Saddleworth School could be reached before Christmas, the Chronicle can reveal.

This week independent Saddleworth councillors will deliver a 3,000 signature petition to the Education Funding Agency (EFA), urging that the new school is built on its existing site in Uppermill.

Controversy has surrounded the siting of the £17million school on land at Huddersfield Road in Diggle.

A Department for Education (DfE) spokesman now says the agency hopes to confirm how it will address the “significant condition needs” at Saddleworth School in the next four to six weeks.

“This is the first stage in the process to rebuild the school. The proposals will be subject to a planning application and public consultation,” said the spokesman.

She added: “The Priority School Building Programme is being delivered by the EFA and the programme is on track to be completed by 2017. The EFA undertakes a study to consider all options and determines which will offer best value.

“The feasibility study for Saddleworth School is currently in progress and will shortly be reviewed before being finalised.”

Saddleworth Independent councillors have welcomed a letter from the EFA indicating a decision on the new school location is imminent and views of local people will be taken into account.

Councillor Mike Buckley said: “Despite previous claims by Oldham Council, it is clearly not a done deal the school will go to Diggle.”