Cook announces huge improvements to Pucklechurch
and Staple Hill primary schools
Pucklechurch to be remodelled and extended, Staple Hill to be completely replaced
Primary schools in Pucklechurch and Staple Hill are to have major improvements under proposals being put forward by South Gloucestershire Council’s Conservative administration.
Under the Conservatives’ plans, Staple Hill Primary School will be completely replaced, along with the relocation of the SureStart Children’s Centre, at a cost of £7.79m. Work on the ambitious scheme will start in 2009/10.
In addition, a £1.72m remodelling and extension programme is planned at Pucklechurch CE VC Primary in order to provide permanent fit for purpose accommodation. The work will start in 2010/11.
Cllr Sheila Cook, Executive Member for Children and Young People, said:
“I am really pleased to be able to give the communities of Staple Hill and Pucklechurch clear undertakings to transform their local primary schools.”
“Our priority is excellence in education and we are determined to work with our schools to create learning environments that unlock every child’s full potential.”
“High quality school buildings are essential if we are to improve achievement.”
Conservative councillor for Boyd Valley, Sandra Grant, has been campaigning to refurbish Boyd Valley’s village primary schools for years, including Pucklechurch. She said:
“I am absolutely delighted that, after years of campaigning, I have finally got a firm commitment from the Council that Pucklechurch will get a substantial refurbishment and a clear date for when we can expect work to start.”
“I would like to thank the parents and pupils at Pucklechurch for their tremendous support because without it I doubt we would have got this announcement today.”
“I will now redouble my efforts to get our other village schools refurbished.”
But Cllr Grant sounded a word of caution by adding:
“The Liberal Democrats have an unfortunate history of voting against Boyd Valley’s schools and they could block Pucklechurch’s much-needed refurbishment again.”
“I hope this time around the Liberal Democrats will actually listen to local children and their parents and acknowledge the strength of feeling that there is about this essential school improvement.”
The proposed transformation of these two primary schools will be confirmed at a Cabinet Meeting on 2 February. It is at past Cabinet meetings that the Liberal Democrats have blocked the refurbishment of Wick and Pucklechurch schools.
It is possible for Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors to vote together to block the minority Conservative administration’s schools proposals.
