Pole taxed!

FLAGGED up . . . St Agnes school pupils and staff with the Green Flag they need planning permission to fly, (clockwise, from the left) Jessica Pass, Johnathan Pass, Julie Crickett, head teacher Janet Saggerson, Katie Robinson, Jake Stonall and Luke Wilson

SCROOGE council chiefs are charging schools for planning permission to fly a flag that celebrates their eco-friendly credientials.

After plenty of hard work to win a Green Flag award, primary schools are furious at being told they need advertising rights planning permission to show off their success.

While many authorities don’t charge, Oldham Council is insisting that primary schools pay £95 plus VAT to apply for permission to raise the flag — and there’s no guarantee of approval.

The procedure of filling in forms, carrying out measurements, drawing plans of the display, describing where it will go and waiting eight weeks for a response — just to fly a flag — has been described as a farce.

Head teachers say the glory of winning an award has been tarnished by the realisation they will have to find funds from tight budgets to pay for it during the credit crunch.

St Agnes School, Lees, is appealing to the council to drop the charge, saying it will have to fundraise as it can’t afford the fee.

Its eco-schools co-ordinator, Julie Crickett, said: “Every council is different, despite eco-schools being a national campaign, and this is something Oldham has decided to do.

“It’s a kick in the teeth. We have put all this hard work in for the award but now have to pay for the privilege.

“I’m annoyed that it’s such a lengthy procedure and cost when you are trying to represent the authority as a school doing the right thing and demonstrating to the children how you want them to be environmentally friendly.

“The council are getting the benefits of it but not supporting us. It would be nice if the council say because it’s a school and an award we will waive the cost.”

The school proved its green credentials in nine areas, designated three eco-warrior pupils, filled in surveys, drew up an action plan and set up an eco-committee, eco-board and regulatory committee to win the Green Flag. It also redeveloped its playground to include a willow dome shelter, seating and bird boxes.

Mrs Crickett added: “We were over the moon to get the award. We are conscious of doing our bit for the community and setting a good example to the children.”

Ruchcroft Primary School, Shaw, paid £600 for a flag pole and planning application, and it’s believed some schools are flying the flags without permission.

Council Cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, Councillor Mark Alcock, said the council works to national regulations on planning applications.

He added: “To ensure that such flags do not become a visual nuisance it is important that they are dealt with through the correct planning procedures, which the council has to apply equally to all applicants.”

Any business that could help St Agnes with a donation or a building company with a spare flag pole or labour can call the school on 624 8392.