ERASE hit out at site for high school

ANGRY campaigners this week claimed key information was ignored by education officials during a consultation process to find a site for the new school in Lowestoft.

ANGRY campaigners this week claimed key information was ignored by education officials during a consultation process to find a site for Lowestoft's new school.

Pakefield Middle School was identified by Suffolk County Council as the best option for a fourth high school.

But ERASE (Enraged Residents Against School Expansion), the parent and resident group opposed to the changes, claims a report written by an independent schools adjudicator uncovers vital evidence that was omitted from the council cabinet report last year, when councillors were asked to approve the proposals.

The document, written by Canon Richard Lindley, ruled ultimately in the council's favour.

But it reveals that, while Pakefield Middle School was the council's favoured option, it was the least favourite behind Elm Tree and Gisleham Middle during a survey completed during the public consultation exercise.

It was also only second to Elm Tree Middle during the council's sustainability research, with Canon Lindley conceding that 'the report to the council's cabinet for its meeting on March 4, when it approved the publication of its proposals, does not seem to have included written information about this part of the outcome.'

He adds that, although no parties were disadvantaged, the school organisation review group postponed the closing date of the competition to run the school - for which they were the only bidders - without having the powers to do so.

Other concerns included the risk to adults' and children's safety because of the increase of numbers and traffic, and the review