School site opposed by majority

MORE than 90 per cent of parents are opposed to the proposed site for the borough’s new £30 million Catholic high school, according to campaigners.

Members of Oldham Catholic Schools’ Parents’ Association (OCSPA) carried out exit polls at 13 consultation meetings held at schools by Salford Diocese.

Some 257 people responded, with 92 per cent against building the school on the site of the Meridian Business Centre, next to Oldham Way in Oldham town centre.

Only 6 per cent were in favour and 2 per cent had no opinion. OCSPA said most people attending the meetings had responded and that concerns about the location included the safety of pupils on the surrounding busy roads and the transport links.

Some parents feared that the area had a reputation for drug abuse, crime and young girls being groomed for prostitution.

There were also concerns that the diocese may not be able to negotiate additional land for playing fields, that there would not be enough places for all Catholic children and claims that the heart of the Catholic community is in the west and north of the town.

Plans to merge Our Lady’s, Royton, and St Augustine, Werneth, are part of Oldham’s £230 million Building Schools for the Future proposals.

The decision on where the school is built will be made by Salford Diocese, which wants a central site which is equally accessible to Catholics in all parts of the borough.

An OCSPA spokesman said some parents would refuse to send their children to the school, and added: “The Oldham Catholic community is sending a clear message to Bishop Brain (the Bishop of Salford).

Decision

“Many parents have expressed strong views that they will place their children in non-Catholic schools and will forgo their right to a Catholic education.

“OCSPA is now preparing a consultation document and copies will be released to all parties concerned this month.

“The Salford Diocese report will not be published until late October, too late for parents to make an informed decision about high school intake for September, 2009.

“We urge Bishop Brain to reconsider his choice of site and we all pray for a favourable decision.”