Rodford School - No need to involve the public, say Tories

Cllr Alan Lawrance at Rodford School

At a recent South Glos committee Lib Dem Councillors demanded the public should be involved in decisions that affect their communities. Lib Dem members asked for a concept statement to be drawn up before the Rodford Way School siteis disposed of. They said this would lead to consultation with the public but also provide a win-win situation as the Council might achieve a higher price if the land was sold with outline planning permission.

Cllr Alan Lawrance said, "We are in general agreement with the decision to raise valuable funds for the Council from the sale of the land; however what was missed was the expected engagement of the whole community. Especially as this school is in a priority neighbourhood, the Conservatives have missed an opportunity to really work with the community to provide regeneration opportunities and a focal point for community facilities and assets"

He continued, "I was very disappointed that the Conservatives felt there was no need to ask the public their opinion over what would happen in their community. I think the Council has failed in its duty to consult as there had been no attempt to involve the public"

However the Conservatives voted against this revision of the decision to proceed with sale of the land and during the debate, Cllr John Goddard (Cons Hanham) said, "In view of the fact we don’t want to see any cuts stopped we will vote against" (i.e. they voted against consulting the public)

Labour voted with the Lib Dems but were one short due to a clash of committee meetings, so the proposal failed. The sale of the land will go ahead with no further consultation.

However Yate Town Council has now agreed to bid for sports pitches including changing space and allotments on the playing field. They say they are keen to keep as much land as they can in the local community.