Submitted by Mary Robinson MP
A campaign to prevent the relocation of an elementary school in Stockport, led by local Conservative leaders, was successful after recommendations were made from a report commissioned by Stockport Council.
Local leaders have welcomed the news that Stockport Council has been advised to move Queensgate Primary School to its current location in. to leave Bramhall – instead of uprooting families and moving school to Woodford.
The message comes after that Mary Robinson MP and Bramhall councilors John McGahan, Brian Bagnall and Mike Hurleston launched a campaign to save Queensgate Primary School from closing and relocating to Woodford, putting their weight behind local residents as they oppose the closure of the Bramhall site .
Plans to expand the elementary school led to a controversial proposal to move the entire school to a new location in Woodford.
The Garden Village, which is currently under construction on the former airfield site, has a building permit for 950 houses and a condition that requires the construction of a new school to accommodate children from development and the wider area.
Criticism of the original proposal was strongly voiced by local residents who were concerned about the uprooting of the local school community, the impact on students with special needs, the long journey on busy roads and a resulting increase in car use due to the lack of viability of a school route map.
The report, commissioned by Stockport Council and presented this week, recommends leaving Queensgate Primary School at its current location on the Australia Estate in Bramhall and supporting the opening of a separate primary school in Woodford.
Stockport’s cabinet will meet on Tuesday, July 20th to vote on the recommendation.
Commenting on, Mary Robinson MP said for Cheadle:
“I am pleased that, following our joint campaign with parents and local councils, a sensible solution has been found for the Queensgate Primary School community. We have repeatedly said that the proposal to move school would have a very negative impact on the children who have to travel much longer to school.
“The recommendation to leave the school at its current location will be a great relief for students and parents.
“I want to say a big thank you to the local community and Cllrs John McGann and Brian Bagnall and Mike Hurleston for joining me in this campaign – students must continue to be the focus of all decisions and I urge the Stockport Council to Take this into account when you vote on the recommendation next week. ”
John McGahan, Conservative Alderman of Bramhall South & Woodford, said:
“I am pleased to confirm that due to overwhelming opposition from local councils and residents, including a petition signed by over 800 residents, the council has now withdrawn its original proposals.
Queensgate Primary School will remain open at its current location and as promised a new school in Woodford Garden Village will be completed in late spring 2022 and children will be able to attend from September 2022.
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