Islington Tribune
Publications by New Journal Enterprises
spacer
  Home Archive Competition Jobs Tickets Accommodation Dating Contact us
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
Islington Tribune - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published: 13 June 2008
 
Schools to get sale cash

• I DO understand residents’ concerns about the site of the old Moorfields School, but I am writing to insist that no one has been kept in the dark over the sale of this land (Threat to lobby Minister over £7m school site sale, June 6).
Although I sympathise with newer residents, the disposal of this site is not a new idea. Four years ago, when Moorfields was merged with Prior Weston, we consulted extensively with residents and parents about what would happen to the site of the old school. This has been public knowledge for a long time.
We would like to see some affordable housing built on the site, as we desperately need more in this borough – but residents can be assured that any development will go through the normal planning processes.
The planning applications will go through rigorous scrutiny and be open to public involvement. I hope that residents will come to the planning meetings about the site – and we promise to listen to them. I know already that councillors for Bunhill have taken a keen interest in the site and will be making representations on behalf of local people.
The sale of this site will raise millions of pounds to improve Islington schools, although this probably doesn’t matter much to MP Emily Thornberry, who sent her children to Hertfordshire to be educated. But I’d be happy to give the MP a list of school rebuilding plans that would be mothballed if this doesn’t go ahead.
Ms Thornberry’s threat to “speak to the Secretary of State and tell him what’s going on” was redundant, as the council is legally obliged to get the permission of the Secretary of State for Education before we can sell the site.
We’ve been as open as possible about this over the last few years, and I hope as many residents as possible get involved in the planning process for any new development.
CLLR TERRY STACY
Lib Dem deputy leader, Islington Council

Send your letters to: The Letters Editor, Islington Tribune, 40 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DR or email to letters@islingtontribune.co.uk. Deadline for letters is midday Wednesday. The editor regrets that anonymous letters cannot be published, although names and addresses can be withheld. Please include a full name, postal address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:


 

 
Your Comments :
 
 
 
spacer














spacer


Theatre Music
Arts & Events Attractions
spacer
 
 


  up