Investing in young people is better deal than buying shops
After confirmation of the additional school places at Old Church Primary School, I would say every additional school place at our Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ primary schools in Darlaston South is very welcome” said Councillor Doug James on hearing confirmation of the additional school places at Old Church Primary School, Darlaston.
Through the dedication and energy of our school staff, all our local schools are reaching higher standards across the curriculum. Local parents demand and are anxious to secure places in our successful schools.
However, school places are at a premium. We must accelerate the capital funding programme and invest far more in the provision of local school places.
Far too many families are travelling miles to transport children outside Darlaston and even outside Walsall Borough. Spending £14m on a shopping centre rather than investing in our young people is a controversial deal. Our young people are a far better long-term investment for our town than shops.
The money Walsall Council will have to spend outsourcing the management and upkeep of the Saddlers Centre, Walsall, to the private sector, has not been revealed.
Walsall Council should revisit an earlier decision to purchase a shopping centre when all the figures are known. “We have bought shops but don’t know the ongoing fees”.
Is that the best deal in town when Walsall Council must accelerate the provision of school places or face further crisis in meeting their statutory obligation to provide local school places?
An accelerated programme of capital investment in our schools is achievable if the political will was there.
Currently, there is too much adherence to following the former Conservative administration’s plans in regeneration and education by the Labour/Liberal-led Walsall Council.
Thank you
Councillor Doug James
Walsall
