Rebuild go-ahead for struggling school
A failing Kidderminster primary school will be rebuilt after proposals were backed by council planners paving the way for work to begin.
A failing Kidderminster primary school will be rebuilt after proposals were backed by council planners paving the way for work to begin.
Construction of the new Birchen Coppice Primary School is expected start later this year with the building ready to open in September 2010.
The pupils are currently based in the former Birchen Coppice First School in Woodbury Road.
The former middle school has already been demolished.
The new building will be constructed on the site of the former middle school and once it is completed the first school will be demolished.
No objections to the scheme were raised by either Wyre Forest District Council or local residents and businesses meaning Worcestershire County Council can now press ahead with its plans.
It follows a reorganisation of education across the Wyre Forest district which saw schools move from a three to two tier system.
Nick Parker, neighbourhood manager for Oldington and Foley Park Pathfinder, which has been involved in the project, said the new school building was expected to be completed ready for the start of the new school year in 2010.
Councillor Susan Meekings, who represents Oldington and Foley Park, welcomed the plans: "It is an exciting project and will help to provide better facilities for the children."
Birchen Coppice Primary School was ranked among the 200 worst performing primary schools in the country in this year's league tables.
Meanwhile Wyre Forest Community Housing Group has unveiled plans to build 46 affordable homes for rent on the site of Bewdley Wribbenhall First School.
Pupils at the school in Shaw Hedge Road are due to move in September to the site of the new Stourport High School and Sixth Form Centre on the Bewdley to Stourport Road.
Oldington and Foley Park councillor Nathan Desmond said he was pleased the scheme had been given backing.
"This is a fantastic scheme for the area and will have a very postive impact on this area for the town," he said.
"A new building for Birchen Coppice is long overdue and will be an excellent addition to the local community.
"It will also represent a massive boost for the education of the children is this area.
"I personally cannot wait to see the new school up-and-running and welcome the support this scheme has received."
