School builders chosen

WIGAN firm Interserve Projects Services has been appointed to build the £15 million new Saddleworth Secondary School.

The school is one of seven projects in Oldham, Tameside, Salford, Bury and Manchester to be given the go-ahead as part of a £52 million contract from the Education Funding Agency. The timing of the projects is yet to be decided - and at least one, Saddleworth, is subject to intense debate and opposition.

Earlier this week, Saddleworth Parish Council voted by a majority to support residents in their campaign to approach the EFA to build a new school on the existing site in Uppermill and support residents to oppose the building of the school in Diggle.

The new school would house up to 1,500 students but locals have formed an action group to oppose construction on the chosen site.