Wolverhampton schools £15m expansion to go ahead despite high number of objections
A £15 million scheme to expand a number of primary schools has been given the go ahead-despite more than half of people consulted on the plans opposing them.
Mobile classrooms, extensions to schools and more child places are all part of the project given the green light by Wolverhampton City Council.
But one councillor has vowed to fight the decision after almost 60 per cent of parents, teachers, governors consulted opposed the idea.
Among the concerns raised is a lack of room at schools and parking problems.
A spike in the number of school pupils in 2015 and 2016 is behind the temporary expansion of five schools – Bushbury Hill, Loxdale, St Martin's CofE, Stowlawn and West Park primary schools – by 270 pupils in total.
Bilston CofE, Eastfield and Manor Primary and Westacre Infant School will also be permanently expanded, with 465 places and new buildings.
And one more school will be added to the list, with the projected demand for school places having now increased.
The city council's education chief Councillor Phil Page said: "The authority has a huge responsibility to provide sufficient places in Wolverhampton for children. Not only do we have that responsibility but we have a duty to provide a high standard of education.
"We have seen a large increase in the demand for places."
Councillor Page added that the council will send its camera van outside schools in a bid to catch problem parkers. In particular he highlighted Manor Primary School.
Councillor Malcolm Gwinett, councillor for Spring Vale where Manor Primary is located, said: "There could be an additional 60 places at the school and this brings with it traffic problems. It is already horrendous around the school and we have people parking in other people's driveways, drivers parking on pavements, the lot. Having more pupils to the Lanesfield area will bring more issues.
"I have the support of parents, teachers and governors to oppose these proposals and I want to challenge this on planning grounds should applications be made to expand the school.
"We want to sit down with highways and see their plan of action."
Headteacher of Bilston Cof E Primary Gary Gentle said staff and youngsters were pleased with its new facilities after they were launched yesterday (FRI) though.
The school has expanded from 210 pupils to 315 to cope with demand for places.
Headteacher Gary Gentle said: "Children, staff and governors of the school are delighted with the improved accommodation and facilities which we now enjoy.
"It will help in our aim to improve academic standards for all our children and provide the best possible education we can."
