Schools’ reopening delayed by builders

PARENTS of hundreds of pupils will have to find alternative childcare because council building work at three primary schools has overrun.

Children were due to start at Yew Tree, Chadderton, and Thornham St James, Royton, tomorrow after the summer break.

But this has been delayed and the council now expects both schools to reopen by Monday.

Unity Partnership, the council’s joint venture partnership, has been carrying out work over the summer to expand Yew Tree. It has involved a new classroom and toilet blocks, new play areas and a rewire.

It will increase its intake from 60 pupils to 90 from this academic year — resulting in an extra 210 pupils by 2019/2020.

The school hopes to be able to decide this morning when it will reopen.

Rewiring work has been taking place at Thornham St James. A statement on its website says it will open on Monday.

Higher Failsworth Primary School was due to open tomorrow but because building work has not been completed in time it will now open on Thursday instead.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, cabinet member for education, said: “Following extensive refurbishment work at the schools they will not be able to open tomorrow. We are very disappointed by the delays and we apologise unreservedly for any inconvenience.
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