Parents in Plea Over Merger
Posted on: Thursday, 15 May 2008, 18:00 CDT
PLANS to merge schools in Walker are causing concern.
Four of its primary schools are set to close and be replaced by two new ones.
Around 1,800 new houses are to be built but three of the schools have more than 30% surplus places. Even with the additional pupils from the new houses, council officials say it is not possible to sustain four schools.
The plan is to merge Wharrier Street and St Anthony's C of E on a new site in the Heart of Walker redevelopment area and Tyneview and West Walker on the Tyneview site.
Residents have started a petition calling for the merged Wharrier Street-St Anthony's school to be on located on the present Wharrier Street site instead.
Eddie Smith, chairman of Wharrier Street governors, said: "We are quite happy to go ahead with the merger with St Anthony's as a voluntary controlled school but on the Wharrier Street site.
"We don't like the fact that the council wants to build the new school next to a busy road and a supermarket. Our site is nice and safe for the children."
Walker ward councillor David Wood said: "I welcome the opportunity to have new schools built in the area but any proposals must have the support of parents." One of the council's top priorities is to rebuild Westgate Hill Primary in the West End, which dates back to 1899 - identified as the primary school building in the worst condition.
A modern school is now proposed on an adjacent site.
Another priority is Hawthorn Primary in Westgate, ranked among the worst of the city's schools for deprivation. Though it is relatively new, opened in 1972, the condition of the building is poor and the school is cramped.
Officials say repairs would be uneconomic and are proposing a new school for the area.
(c) 2008 Evening Chronicle - Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: Evening Chronicle - Newcastle-upon-Tyne
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