1,500 pupils hit by school delay

STATE-of the-art: Newman College which will not be ready in time for the new term

PARENTS of up to 1,500 pupils are facing a last-minute childcare scramble with the news that the opening of Newman College will be delayed.

Years 7 and 11 students were due to start at the £33 million RC school in Broadway, Chadderton, on Friday, followed by all pupils next Monday.

This has been put back to September 17 and 18 respectively because of delays by building contractor Balfour Beatty.

A letter has been sent to parents from head teacher Mike McGhee and Michael Jameson, Oldham’s director of children’s services.

It says: “The building contractor has not been able to meet the agreed completion date. We all realise how frustrating this news will be and unreservedly apologise for the delay and inconvenience, which is beyond our control.”

Balfour Beatty won the £53 million contact to build Newman College and refurbish/rebuild North Chadderton School, and now faces a financial penalty.

Councillor Hugh McDonald, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “We are very disappointed. It’s a hiccup. Once it’s open it will be forgotten.”

But Lib-Dem leader Councillor Howard Sykes slammed Labour for only now telling parents of the delay.

“You would have thought Oldham’s Labour Council would have made sure that this £33 million building would be completed in time for the start of the new school year.

“The rumour mill for weeks has been speculating it would not be open on time and they have left it to the last minute to inform pupils and parents when they could have come clean on this weeks ago.”

A Balfour Beatty spokeswoman said: “Balfour Beatty sincerely apologises for the inconvenience and disappointment this causes for Oldham Council, teachers and students and have committed maximum resource to enable completion of the school at the earliest opportunity.”


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