Last stand for Diggle

Photo: Paul Sterritt

Save Diggle action group march through Uppermill with Saddleworth School pupil George Brooks

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CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a new £19.2 million school being built in their village today confirmed they have submitted an application for a judicial review.

The move is the latest chapter in a bitter saga surrounding plans to move Saddleworth School from its existing site in Uppermill to a new site in Diggle.

Despite plans being approved, the Save Diggle Action Group (SDAG) are campaigning to build a new school on its existing site off High Street, Uppermill.

Keith Lucas, the SDAG spokesman, said: "This will be our last stand.

"It's a final chance to prevent the Diggle valley being bulldozed and levelled and the prospect of a car park, weld-mesh fences, artificial turf and floodlights on our greenbelt, ruining this popular canal-side setting and tourist destination forever."

But as a counterpoint, the newly-formed Diggle for Saddleworth School (D4SS) expressed "utter contempt" at the news.

They say it will cause uncertainty, delays, additional costs, educational impact and could risk the new school building altogether.

D4SS was formed to unite those in support of the expedient delivery of the new school in Diggle.

Their spokesman, Keith Prior, said: "SDAG do not speak for the majority of residents in Saddleworth as they claim.

"Many are appalled, angry and dismayed by the delays and selfish actions of SDAG. We know the Diggle site isn't perfect, but it's the best site in Saddleworth.

"It will provide numerous benefits which the existing site simply can't, mainly due to it being larger and flatter.

"On balance, the Diggle site is simply the best for the education of our children. SDAG should simply admit they have lost and move on."

Forced

But Mr Lucas added: "SDAG is now being forced to take the step we all hoped we might be able to avoid.

"We are seeking a judicial review of Oldham Council's decision having twice pointed out the flaws in the application to Oldham's Planning Committee.

"We sympathise with parents and children who are frustrated at the delays which have beset the school project.

"SDAG members are parents of children at the school and we have always agreed the school is needed, our opposition has been to the choice of site.

"More than 3,300 people have signed a petition calling for the school to remain in Uppermill."

He said 1,339 objections to the application to build the school in Diggle were submitted, but only 26 comments were submitted in support of the proposal.

An independent poll indicated 78 per cent of Saddleworth people "want the school to remain where it is," he added.