School revamp under threat

Building work at Stoneleigh Primary School

TROUBLED Derker has been dealt another blow with the future of Stoneleigh Primary School in doubt.

Three recent visits to the site of the £1.1 million building programme at the Vulcan Street school saw no work taking place and there are growing fears that work has been halted amid falling pupil numbers.

Parents and staff are said to be concerned and the council has confirmed that it is considering “all options”.

The tender to refurbish and remodel Stoneleigh was approved in February. It included community facilities.

However, there are understood to be concerns about falling rolls and the number of houses for families in the wake the Government’s decision to halt the multi-million Housing Market Renewal programme in Derker.

This was meant to demolish, rebuild and refurbish hundreds of properties, but not all of the new houses promised materialised.

Residents have been left surrounded with vast empty spaces and rows of derelict properties and last month Bellway pulled out of plans to build 148 homes.

Senior councillors on the new Labour administration discussed Stoneleigh on Monday.

Councillor Hugh McDonald, cabinet member for children, young people and families said building work had not been stopped at the moment.

He added: “We recognise there are a number of challenges facing Stoneleigh School and we are considering all options at this early stage.

“The new administration has only just taken power and before making any decisions we would like to assess and examine the situation thoroughly so that the long-term interests of pupils, parents and staff are looked after.

“The education of pupils is of paramount importance and Oldham Council will continue to give Stoneleigh Primary School its full support so the children fulfil their potential and receive the best start in life.”

Asked if closure was an option, Councillor McDonald said: “Everything is an option.”

An emergency governing body was appointed at Stoneleigh amid concerns that it was not improving quickly enough after two “satisfactory” Ofsted inspections.

An executive head teacher was also in charge for a period.

Lib-Dem ward councillor Jackie Stanton, former deputy council leader, said: “We identified £1 million to be spent on this school to enhance teaching and learning and to provide community facilities in an area where there are none.

“We will be looking for a meeting with Councillor McDonald as soon as possible because this uncertainty for staff and parents is completely unfair.”

Councillor Jack Hulme, former cabinet member for children, families and education, was concerned about potential financial penalties if the building work was halted.

He said: “Less than six months ago we agreed a contract. I understand they are on site and working.”