Residents invited to have say on new Saddleworth School site

SADDLEWORTH RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say in a public consultation ahead of the selection of the site for the new £19million secondary school.

Last month the Education Funding Agency (EFA) published an 82-page feasibility study reviewing four potential sites.

This identified the preferred option to locate a new school on the rear of the former WH Shaw Pallets Works site in Diggle.

On Monday, March 30, a paper will go before Oldham Council’s Cabinet seeking a final decision and approval of the site.

Now, the local authority has issued a final call for feedback submissions before consultation with the public and stakeholders ends on Wednesday, March 18 at 5pm.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This has been a lengthy process that has provoked a high level of debate, ongoing dialogue and investigative work.

“It was in direct response to concerns raised by the public that we approved a new option – now the preferred option – at the rear of the Diggle site in July 2014.

“Taking on board the many questions raised, we then also asked the EFA to carry out a full appraisal of all four sites.

“The EFA’s study, with 90 accompanying documents, was published last month, as was an extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions.

“Following the publication, we feel it is only right we now invite all final comments and feedback from the public as part of our consultation before this matter goes to Cabinet for a decision.”

A spokesman for the Save Diggle Action Group, said: “We are delighted Oldham Council are finally seeking the views of the people of Saddleworth.

“The fact they have also stated categorically they will make the final decision is also welcome.

“It is surprising this consultative exercise was not announced at the Council meeting on February 4 and why the Council ignored the input of 3000 petitioners and prematurely voted to locate the school in Diggle.”

Feedback can be submitted through the Oldham Council website.

Copies of the EFA study and the Frequently Asked Questions are available online on the Oldham Council website and Saddleworth School website.

Hard copies of the EFA study are also available to view in Saddleworth, Lees and Oldham libraries on request.

To obtain copies of the other supporting documents to the EFA’s study, email: PSBP.EFACAPITAL@education.gsi.gov.uk