Bob Ainsworth secures govt debate over run down school

[dutchman]

A Coventry MP’s managed to get a government debate on the future of a school in the city where dozens of children have been forced to learn in corridors.



It’s after 84 youngsters at Richard Lee Primary were forced out of their classrooms due to a leaking roof, big holes in the walls and black mold.

Builders went in over half-term to lay new carpets to reduce the effect of the problem, at the same time thieves targeted the site, ripping lead from the roof and smashing up a skylight.

The school had already estimated it needed £600,000 to fix the problems, significantly over its budget of just over £9,000.

City MP Bob Ainsworth will debate the issue with a minister from the Department of Education in Westminster next Tuesday.

He said: “The school building is in an appalling state of disrepair and is nearing the end of its limited lifespan; as a result any remedial works that are undertaken can only ever be temporary.”

“The only way to permanently resolve the ongoing maintenance problems at the school is through a full rebuild.”

“Unfortunately, Coventry City Council cannot commit to building a new school for Richard Lee pupils until ministers provide clarification of future funding allocations from central government for education capital projects.”

“I will therefore be pressing the minister during the debate to remove the uncertainty surrounding future funding, which at present is forcing pupils to be taught in atrocious conditions.”