New Chester school causes concern for parish

Jun 9 2008 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

PROPOSALS for a new village primary school have led parish councillors to express concern.

Saughall and Shotwick Park Parish Council says in principle it is not against a new school in the village where Cheshire County Council is proposing to merge Thomas Wedge Junior and The Ridings Infant schools in a new building on Church Road. The junior school building would be demolished.

Parish councillors fear the provision of the school will increase traffic congestion which is already experienced on Church Road, making it more dangerous.

The council says it is concerned about health and safety issues as the plans show “a distinct lack of drop-off places for parents taking their children to school”.

It points out the county council's Transforming Learning Communities initiative involves local communities having use of school buildings and sporting facilities but suggests the plans do not provide for this. Environmental aspects of the development are said to be “token and superficial”.