The future of Lordshill
20th July 2009
Alan Whitehead MP is encouraging Lordshill residents to have their say on major developments planned for the area.
A survey from Alan Whitehead currently being distributed by volunteers will ask Lordshill residents their views on moving Oaklands and Millbrook school sites (now both part of the Lord’s Hill Academy) to Five Acre Field, and what should happen to the current school sites if the move goes ahead.
The survey also asks residents whether they would like to keep the community facilities attached to the school, like the pool and theatre at Oaklands, regardless of what happens to the rest of the school site. Finally, residents are asked what new community facilities they would like to see in Lordshill.
Oaklands and Millbrook schools were re-opened as the Lord’s Hill Academy last year. The rebuild of the Academy on a new site will largely be paid for by the government’s Building Schools for the Future programme. This means whatever capital receipt the Council gets for the sale of the Oaklands and Millbrook school sites would not have to be used to fund the rebuild of the Academy. Instead, some of the money received could (and should) be used for new and improved community facilities for the Lordshill area.
Alan said:
“If it is the case that Oaklands and Millbrook school sites are to move to Five Acre Field, we need a real debate about what then happens to the vacated school sites.
“The Council stands to make a substantial profit from the sale of the school sites. I would want to make sure at least part of that money go towards providing first-class community facilities for people who live in the area.”
“We also need to ensure residents are given the option of retaining the existing community facilities that are not actually part of the schools. It would be a huge waste if Oaklands pool, the sports hall or the theatre were to be torn down considering how much they are used by local people.”
Residents can also fill out the Lordshill survey online.
What do you think about this story? Email Alan