Council bosses confirm new school plan for playing fields has been scrapped

Council bosses have confirmed that a controversial new primary school planned to be built on playing fields will no longer go ahead.

The decision follows a tide of protest from residents in the Smithills area of Bolton and local councillors who said the new academy school was not needed.

As well as concerns over the loss of green space, there were also fears that the already congested roads round the Moss Bank Playing Fields site would become even more choked up.

Bolton council initially said they would make an announcement on Monday, but today stated that the £7 million school has been scrapped.

A leaflet circulated by Smithills’ Liberal Democrat councillors, who backed the residents’ objections, was circulated in Smithills yesterday, celebrating the u-turn by the council.

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It said data had shown future pressure on primary school places in that part of the borough had eased because births and population trends are ‘now showing a decline in numbers after an initial increase’.

“The council’s view is that the numbers do not now justify pursuing a new school with the Department of Education,” a press release said.

It went on: “Increased capacity will still be needed in the coming years and the council are in discussions with the DfE to find alternative solutions.

An announcement of extra government funding for school expansions is expected in the spring and the council says it will be engaging with schools in the wider area to ask for expressions of interest in expanding.

The leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Martyn Cox said: “This DfE-led project was only in its early stages and was always dependent on the data showing a clear, sustained need for a new school.

“The council needs to ensure we meet our obligation to provide sufficient school places but based on the latest data, we have concluded the new school was no longer justified.

“We are pleased the DfE are in agreement.

“The proposed school on Captains Clough meant building on playing fields, which local residents opposed.

“I am pleased that we can now concentrate with the DfE on looking at suitable schools to expand to meet the more limited future demand.”