Strategy for extra primary places up for debate

A series of public meetings are being staged to consult on two options around primary school expansion in Merton.

The dates were announced following a meeting of more than 80 school heads and governors at the council chamber on Saturday (October 16).

The two schemes on which the consultation is being held are the same for seven schools (Morden Primary School, Liberty Primary School, St Mary’s RC Primary School, Gorringe Park Primary School, Dundonald Primary School, William Morris Primary School, Singlegate Primary School) but differ on the option for two forms of entry and where they should be sited. 

One option proposes to expand Bishop Gilpin Primary in Lake Road, Wimbledon, and use part of the South Wimbledon Community Centre site in Haydons Road for a primary school. 

The alternative option is to build two forms of entry on an industrial site in Gap Road, Wimbledon. The Gap Road option would be approximately £7 million more expensive as the land would need to be purchased and planning permission sought.

Councillor Peter Walker (left), council cabinet member for education, said: "We are determined to listen to what parents and local people think about this significant expansion of our primary schools.  For this reason I and senior officers from the education department will attend and speak at all the sites which we are thinking of expanding.

"We are planning nine meetings open to local residents. I would ask all parents, especially those who have children who will be starting school next September, to do their best to attend one of these events so they can express their views.

"I look forward to listening to what local people have to say as I have to make a decision on which scheme to recommend by the Cabinet meeting on December 8."

Brochures outlining the two options will also be given to each child this week in all primary schools so that they can take them home to their parents. These brochures will also be available at local libraries.

The public meeting times/venues are:

October 18, 2010