MP backs Diggle site for new school

Saddleworth School: opponents of the move to Diggle have called for the new school to be built on the existing site in Uppermill

SADDLEWORTH MP Debbie Abrahams has said siting a new £17 million secondary school in Diggle is probably “the least worst option”.

Ms Abrahams wrote to update more than 500 residents after receiving responses to her postal and doorstep survey concerning Saddleworth School.

The Labour MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth says she reached her conclusion after sight of the technical assessments from Oldham Council, the restrictions of the allowed budget and the Government’s timetable.

She said: “I have said from the start I think Government has treated Saddleworth badly. The proposed school’s new location and specification are far from ideal and clearly driven by cost.

“In my letter to residents I have said I believe the development of a new Saddleworth School for our young people is paramount. Although there are still significant issues to be resolved, I do believe (Diggle) is probably the least worst option, given the restrictions of the budget and Government timetable.”

She adds: “I believe the school recognises there are genuine concerns from residents, especially those living on Huddersfield Road. I have urged the school and council to look at how they can engage with residents more effectively, so any development is based on active involvement.”

Save Diggle Action Group is campaigning to build the new school on its existing site in Uppermill.