Special educational needs plans 'in doubt'

The council hopes to move services currently available at Strathmore School in Ham to new facilities at Russell Primary School, Grey Court and St Richard Reynolds Catholic College in Twickenham.

The move would free up part of the Russell site and the Strathmore site, which may be sold to help fund the project.

Councillor Sir David Williams raised the issue at a council meeting on Tuesday, July 2, and said the potential sale of land had sparked controversy and resulted in petitions with several hundred signatures.

He said: “No consideration was given to consult the public about the sale of land.

“This is sensitive. The traffic generation and the environmental consideration should have been put to the public.”

Coun Williams said the education provision was uncontroversial but could now be in jeopardy because of the “secretive way” the plans developed, with a lack of consultation of residents.

He said: “The intention was very credible to provide a much better system of education for those pupils at Strathmore School.

“I really do ask the council and ask the cabinet member that is responsible for this why they have allowed the situation to deter in this way when what we are at risk of doing is in jeopardy simply because we have not attempted to involve the public.”

Cabinet member for schools Councillor Paul Hodgins said there was consultation on the proposals, although some was informal.

He said the council had needed to put forward a solution to provide modern facilities and extra capacity for children with special educational needs.

He said: “By and large the education proposals have been well supported. I understand the controversial element is the sale of the land.

“It is a good proposal, a practical proposal to deliver facilities for special education children that they need.

“We are listening to residents and we are continuing to go on.”