NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR NORTH KINGSTON

2.29.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th Oct 2009

Liberal Democrats on Kingston Council last week agreed to move forward to the the next step with plans to build a new secondary school in North Kingston.

Local families have long needed a local school since the Conservatives made the terrible mistake of closing the Tudor School in 1984.

Susan Kramer MP commented "I have been campaigning for a new school for North Kingston for over five years, so I am pleased that there are now plans in place to make this a reality".

There are simply no good sites for a school in North Kingston, and Susan Kramer has asked the Council to keep searching for new sites.

The local MP said " The initial consultation did not throw up any suitable alternative sites, but please do let me know if you think there is somewhere that should be considered".

All the indicators highlight that there is a great need for a new secondary in our area. The rising birth rates are already adding pressure on our existing schools.

However many local residents have contacted Susan Kramer with worries about the future of the Hawker Centre.

In response she said "I am completely committed to the provision of leisure facilities at the Hawker Centre, and am pleased that that the Council's proposal will preserve the gym, bowling green, tennis courts and more".

"I will continue to to push to make sure current facilities are safeguarded, and for for facilities to be improved where possible".

51.6% of responses to the consultation were strongly in favour of developing the North Kingston Centre.

While the current plan is for an eight form of entry school, Susan Kramer has asked the Council to consider a six form entry with the option to enlarge to meet demand.

In order to meet the Government's timetable for funding bids, the formal consultation on these plans must start in 2010. Susan Kramer MP wants to hear you think