Safety issues raised over £4m school scheme

Photo: Darren Robinson

Parents Laura Holgate-Condron, Lee Condron and Barney Harle, Oldham Council’s capital works and energy manager, study the scheme. Picture: Darren Robinson

Safety issues came top of concerns at a council consultation over the proposed £4million Greenfield Primary School.

The new building will replace the existing school and boost capacity of the Shaw Street primary.

And Mike Rooke, a member of the Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association, produced a petition signed by more than 200 villagers.

The petition urged Oldham Council to develop and maintain two unadopted roads “to highway standard” as an integral part of the plans. It spotlighted Shaw Street, South Avenue and Arthurs Lane, and asks the council improve access for both the school and community.

Mr Rooke explained: “The roads need to be adopted or serviced and maintained for children and parents.

“Currently, plans show 23 parking spaces at the new school but we believe there will be up to 50 staff. The road is very narrow and parking is a real problem.

“We believe there may be a ‘park and walk’ scheme involving Tesco but that in itself would create safety issues with children crossing busy roads.”

Oldham Council says it is responding to an unprecedented rise in the number of children needing primary school places.