War of words over free-school plans

A WAR of words has erupted following the council’s confirmation it is selling the building Oldham’s first free school hopes to occupy.

A “faith sensitive” secondary will launch in 2013 and, as the Chronicle reported, the former Hollies mental health resource centre, Werneth, was its preferred location.

The former Victorian gentleman’s home was left in trust to the council and has a covenant restricting its use for relief of the sick or poor.

Collective Spirit says it has tried unsuccessfully to speak to the council about the badly vandalised building which closed in 2005.

Councillor Phil Harrison, one of three trustees of the building , confirmed an offer had been accepted from a developer. The building is likely to be demolished for housing.

He added: “It came as a shock to me that Collective Spirit had an interest in it. There has been no bid from them.

“If they wanted The Hollies they should have done it through the proper channels.”








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