THE campaign group fighting to save a Nelson church school from closure has met chief executive of Pendle Council Stephen Barnes to press the case for a new school in the parish.
Neil McGowan, chairman of the Save St Paul’s Action Group, said: “We are continuing to push the case for St Paul’s at all levels, including a very constructive meeting with Mr Barnes, who told us the whole council backed our campaign, and he had set up several meetings with experts and the county council to assist in moving this project forward. We look forward to continuing our fight for our community and parish. A new school is crucial to the long-term future of our close-knit communities, but it has to be in the right place.”
Local councillor Eileen Ansar said: “It’s clear Pendle Council backs parents, kids and the Save St Paul’s campaign, and we made it very clear to the chief executive the Edge End site was our number one priority for a new school.
“It’s the only site which is in the parish, and easily accessible, as well as only a hop away from the existing school.”
Fellow action group member and campaigner Azhar Ali said: “We went with a clear agenda, and were met with an open door from Mr Barnes.
“It’s clear we have support from the council, and we put forward constructive ways in which the Edge End site could be utilised, not only to accommodate changing facilities the council has commissioned, but accommodating a new school fit for the 21st Century.”
