MP hits out over ‘disgraceful’ treatment of Saddleworth

Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams has accused the Government of treating Saddleworth “disgracefully” following the announcement of a new £15 million school to be built in Diggle.

The MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth has written to Education minister David Laws following concerns over the school, which could be completed in 2015.

“Local people raised a lot of legitimate concerns about the potential development,” she said.

“I share these concerns, but I also want our young people to have the best possible education in a school fit for the 21st century.

“I think the Government has treated Saddleworth disgracefully. The potential school’s location and specification are far from ideal and seem to be driven by cost - but the Government has effectively taken £4 million from Oldham to set up a ‘free’ school in Chadderton.

“The Government and Education Funding Agency has shrouded discussions for the school’s development in secrecy.”

A public meeting in Uppermill Civic Hall, organised by the Saddleworth and Lees community associations, was attended by more than 200 people.

Stuart Coleman, chairman of Diggle Community Association, said: “I’m concerned many of the questions asked at the meeting were only answered broadly by the panel and lacked any real detail. It is great news that Debbie Abrahams is going to approach Government about the position of the school building. It flies in the face of common sense not to build at the rear of the (present) site.”

The new school, to be built on the site of a former factory in Huddersfield Road, will house 1,500 students and is almost 20 per cent bigger than the existing school.

The school’s chairman of governors, Councillor Brian Lord, said: “I can assure people that the governors and senior management of the school will do all they can to ensure we get the best possible outcome.

“If the Government perceives any resistance or objection we could lose the chance of a new school for years to come - and I’m sure that the vast majority of Saddleworth people would be strongly against that.”