Witham MP Priti Patel has convened a meeting with Education Minister Josh MacAlister MP and representatives from Essex County Council to discuss the Government's decision to cancel funding for the Lodge Farm Primary School and Nursery in Witham. The 420-place school and 56 place nursery, which included support for pupils with SEND, was due to be build as part of a new housing development to support Witham's growing population. The Minister agreed to meet following representations and objections to the decision raised by Priti, who has been working with Essex County Council under its previous and current leadership to press the Government to rethink its decision.
During the meeting, the Minister heard the case for the school being made by Priti, the Leader of Essex County Council and senior officers, including the evidence around school places and future demand. No promises were made to review the decision, however, the Minister did commit to look into the points that were raised.
Speaking afterwards Priti said:
"Labour's decision to cancel funding for Lodge Farm is appalling and has caused concern and anxiety for families living in Witham. With our population growing and the Government imposing higher new housing targets on us we need new investment in infrastructure and public services."
"During the meeting with the Minister, we were able to show the evidence demonstrating the need for the school. Without this new school, we face a shortage of local primary school places and pupils having to travel further and at higher costs to get to school."
"This new school had been planned for the last decade, and families are moving into Witham and Hatfield Peverel on the promise of it being built. I've been working with Essex County Council for years to get this new school delivered and will continue to campaign for it."
