Old scroll holds the key to school future

PRECIOUS memories . . . Councillor Steve Bashforth at the old Byron Street School

THE fate of a former school is up in the air following the discovery of an age-old agreement.

Byron Street School, Royton, was closed when it merged with Highbarn School in a brand new building.

The old school was then earmarked for demolition and redevelopment — until the details of an ancient covenant came to light.

The old contract will not allow demolition of the school building and approval would be required for any redevelopment of the site.

Royton councillor Steve Bashforth said: “I feel this should be looked on as an opportunity to use the site as part of a greater vision for Royton possibly by making it part of the new Royton Well-being Centre.”

The area is held by Oldham Council on a 999-year lease from Sir Joseph Percival Radcliffe, which came into effect in 1906.

Council officers are now trying to contact the successors of Sir Joseph Percival Radcliffe to agree a price for the freehold, meaning redevelopment could go ahead