by Cllr Mike Buckley
Following intense lobbying by the Save Diggle Action Group (SDAG), and growing protests across Saddleworth, the Educational Funding Agency (EFA) have decided to reconsider Uppermill as the site of the new Saddleworth School. Following a meeting with representatives of the EFA, headteacher, Matthew Milburn announced to the school’s technical committee on Thursday that a detailed feasibility study was now underway by the EFA into the best place to build the new school and this study includes the Uppermill site as well as the site at Diggle.
SDAG spokesperson “Cllr Mike Buckley said “This is excellent news and it knocks on the head the propaganda issued by Oldham that the move is a done deal. The recent local elections sent a strong message to the powers-that-be that Saddleworth residents regard the school move to Diggle as a great mistake and want to see it remain in Uppermill.
“At last someone is listening to what the people of Saddleworth want.
“The proposed site in Diggle is fraught with planning and technical problems, none of which exist in Uppermill. The plans we put forward for building in Uppermill we believe will also cost less than building in Diggle. These plans were never properly considered, either by Oldham Council or the EFA.
“We will now be contacting the EFA to ask them to look seriously at our proposals.”
Hi Mike,
That’s good news, but can you PLEASE answer the question everybody in Saddleworth is asking;
The EFA have given you what you asked for with a review into Uppermill costings, but if they officially rule out Uppermill and choose Diggle instead, will you concede defeat and support them?
Looking forward to your response.