Blackburn schools redevelopment plans revealed (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn schools redevelopment plans revealed

5:09pm Wednesday 3rd February 2010 in

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A SCHOOL is set to get a new building and another primary will be doubled in size in a multi-million pound scheme.

St. Silas' CofE Primary School, Clematis Street, Blackburn, is to get a £3.3million replacement building on the same site by September 2012.

And an extension will be built at Wensley Fold Primary School, Manor Road, bringing an extra 210 places for pupils.

Council bosses said the projects would leave the schools with wonderful state-of-the-art buildings.

But some parents are unhappy about the Wensley Fold plans and have set up a petition.

Gladys Rhodes, strategic director of children’s services at the borough council, said: “In the very near future demand for school places at primary schools in Corporation Park and Wensley Fold will exceed the places available unless we take urgent action now.

“We have recognised for some time that St Silas School needed to be replaced and, although staff and pupils have coped admirably in the existing building, we are delighted to be in a position now to offer them a new, state of the art school.”

On Wensley Fold, she said: “While we understand some people may have concerns, we want to reassure them that there will be no immediate, rapid expansion. Instead, the proposed growth from a one-form to two-form entry will be gradually phased in over a number of years while the schools develops new teaching and learning structures to maintain existing standards."

Parent Anisa Waka, from Wensley Fold, said: “The whole community of parents are not happy.

There are issues about parking and currently the school has wonderful surroundings. The headteacher is fantastic and she knows every child by name. How is that going to be possible with such large numbers?”

Another parent John Jones said: “It will become a semi-high school.

"The roads aren’t safe as it is I’ve almost been knocked over a number of times crossing the road in front of the school.

“Everyone is angry at the proposals. There is a feeling that the decision has already been made and this is just a formality.”

A decision will be made at the council’s Executive Board meeting on February 11 over St Stilas', but Wensley Fold plans will be subject to a consultation.