17/11/08 - PS7 Campaign Update 2

Thank you to all the residents who have so far supported my campaign to convince the School Adjudicator that PS7 should be run by Swindon Council, delivering the maximum number of school places for local residents. 

As promised I am keeping you up to date with progress of the campaign.

Consultation Responses

Thank you to everyone who has already e-mailed me directly, or completed the online form at:  http://www.abbeymeadsintouch.com/page/15/

We are in the process of delivering information to every house, we are making good progress just need the rain to ease off!  Please, please do encourage everyone you know to respond.  Every single reply will be passed onto the School Adjudicator.  It would also be helpful if you could include your postal address as this shows that you are a local resident who will be effected directly by the decision.

School Competition Process

I have had confirmation that Swindon Council wrote to the Government and Labour MP to ask to by-pass the need for PS7 being put out to competition.  This was refused.  This is a disgrace and is now causing understandable anger, frustration and uncertainty for local residents.

FaithSchool Bid Assisted

I am furious that the Faith School bid was assisted by the Governments over paid consultants.  We are seeking clarification on the exact help they were given, including a ‘Freedom of Information’ request direct to the Government.

Information On The MuslimSchool Bid – Swindon Advertiser Article 17/11/08

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/3852220._Muslim_school_will_be_for_all_children_/

This online article sets out the plans from the man behind the FaithSchool bid.  There was additional coverage in the actual Swindon Advertiser.  When contacted by the Swindon Advertiser I was crystal clear in my response to the article that it was in fact him, not local residents who misunderstood.  The facts are simple:

• Local residents are opposed to his bid
• If PS7 opened tomorrow it would be full.  100% of places are needed for local residents, let alone 50%
• There is not sufficient demand for a Islamic Faith School

Muslims' surprise at Islamic faith school plan – Swindon Advertiser Article 14/11/08

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/3846627.Muslims__surprise_at_Islamic_faith_school_plan/

An interesting article in the Swindon Advertiser on Friday showed that the rival bid doesn’t have the support it claims.

FaithSchool Plans (Initial Swindon Advertiser Article) – Swindon Advertiser Article 13/11/08

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/3842324.Faith_school_plan_concerns/

I am extremely disappointed the Labour MP refused to show his support for the Council bid, waiting for the consultation process to be completed.

I shall not be sitting on the fence, I am and will lead this on this campaign.  We need every last school place for local residents who have waited long enough for this school.

I am not interested in excuses – there is only one outcome acceptable to local residents.

Swindon Link Article – 11/11/08

http://www.swindonlink.com/news/show/825

An excellent article on the two bids.

Public Meeting – Tuesday 25^th November

Don’t forget the public meeting on Tuesday 25 November at 6:30pm at Orchid Vale Primary School, Torun Way. It is vitally important that you have your say.

Councillor Justin Tomlinson