Rat-run fears over new school site

Saddleworth School Plans

AN exhibition highlighting Saddleworth’s hottest and most controversial topic had its final public airing last night.

Oldham Council officers and councillors met locals to discuss highway options linked to the siting of the new £19 million Saddleworth School.

The biggest discussion points centred around access at a former pallet works site at Huddersfield Road, Diggle.

Villagers from neighbouring Dobcross raised concerns saying increased school traffic would turn their conservation zone village into a rat run.

Michele Carr, Oldham Council assistant executive director of special projects, headed the team of officers at the presentations staged across key Saddleworth villages.

Speaking after the presentation, held at the current Saddleworth School in Uppermill, she said: “The presentations received an excellent response from the public. We have genuinely listened to the feedback from the community.

“People have taken a lot of time to share their local knowledge with us which has been very helpful.

“We have spoken to people who are very concerned. But they have been very civic and polite and made their points in a constructive way.”

Colleague Mark Prestwich, said: “The presentations have been well attended and we have been pleased with the response.”

Oldham Council has committed to carrying out necessary highways improvements needed to make this site work for the new school.

Council officers plan to draw up a series of vital and detailed works needed in the Diggle area including carriageway and footpath widening; the introduction of a School Safety Zone; the potential development of a residents’ car park and fencing and widening the access road down to the former pallet works.

At an earlier presentation, Councillor Dave Hibbert, cabinet member for housing, planning and transport, promised Dobcross residents the council would look at potential solutions to their concerns.

If planning approval is obtained, Saddleworth School, Oldham Council, the Education Funding Authority (EFA) and builders Interserve will develop the details of the project and enter into building contracts to enable the school to be constructed.

It is currently envisaged the new school would open in Easter 2017.

The consultation expires on Tuesday, June 23, and the highway proposals for the new school can be viewed at:www.newsaddleworthschool.co.uk