School fight 'Trump' row

SADDLEWORTH School . . . no longer fit for purpose

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

AN EDUCATION chief has been accused of "Trump style tactics" in the battle over the citing of a new £19.2 million secondary school.

The criticism has been made by Keith Lucas MBE, spokesman of the Save Diggle Action Group (SDAG), who took Oldham council to the High Court over a flawed planning application.

Mr Lucas levelled his attack at Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Oldham Council's cabinet member for education.

He says the councillor is only prepared to talk to the small number of people who share her views on the school move to Diggle.

He said: "She will not engage with Saddleworth residents who objected to the planning application with a ratio of 2,000 letters wanting the school to stay in Uppermill against her supporters, which numbered only 35.

"She accuses SDAG of being irresponsible.

"But she has not grasped, were it not for the council acting as if the rule of law applied to others, not themselves, SDAG would not have a case to bring against them - let alone win.

"It is the council's unlawful and inept planning process that has got them into the present situation and the school delayed.

"Had they embraced the Uppermill site option, the new school would currently be in operation."

And he cites an example of Councillor Chadderton's "Trump style fake news" in her comment that the information being disseminated by SDAG is misleading.

Mr Lucas added: "Justice Kerr at the Judicial review hearing concurred with SDAG's statements it is possible to build the school in Uppermill. The EFA are prepared to built it and building at Diggle would be contrary to greenbelt policy and damaging to Saddleworth's heritage.

"It seems the only source of verifiable facts about the whole process has come from SDAG, as opposed to misinformation, some might say lies, from OMBC and its supporters.

"Councillor Chadderton has stated nothing has changed. She has clearly learnt nothing from Justice Kerr's ruling."

And he points to a council claim it is a "co-operative council delivering good services to support a co-operative borough".

And Mr Lucas takes issue over the "Listening Council" pledge .

"Why can't it listen to the views of the majority of Saddleworth residents that the planned school move to Diggle is highly unpopular and damaging to Saddleworth and its heritage?

"Now is a good opportunity for the 'Listening Council' to publicly demonstrate the commitment behind its slogan and support the majority of Saddleworth residents who will all back them in delivering a new school in Uppermill, which everyone agrees is needed."

And he added: "As a local councillor if it came to a Saddleworth referendum I'm positive the majority of residents would vote for the school to stay in Uppermill.

"Is there anyone out there prepared to put that to the test?"

Councillor Chadderton said: "Our position on a new Saddleworth School is simple and clear; the children of Saddleworth deserve facilities that are fit for purpose and right now that is not the case.

"We held an extensive consultation before making our decision and the school itself supports the proposals for Diggle.

"One of our key priorities is to have every school 'good' or 'outstanding' by 2020 and for all performance indicators for education to be at national average or above by then. For this to happen, every child needs the right facilities and a fair chance to succeed.

"The delays are unhelpful but we remain committed to delivering this new school and I'd urge people like Mr Lucas to work with us towards a solution for the community rather than make petty personal attacks."