Former library to be remodelled to meet ‘high demands’ for special school places

If approved, around £500,000 will be used to expand Green Fold Special School in Highfield Road, Farnworth, and remodel a former community library in Lever Edge Lane in Great Lever.

This comes nearly a year after the council approved proposals for Green Fold to increase its pupil places from 130 to 185.

Council cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said: “There’s been an extremely high demand for SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) places.

“No one knows why there’s been such an increase, it’s not just around Bolton, it’s across the country and no one can pinpoint why.”

A decision is due at Bolton Town Hall (Image: Anthony Moss) He added: “SEND provision is actually one of the only areas where councils are allowed to run deficits and around 70 per cent of councils wouldn’t be able to balance their budgets if this isn’t continued.

“So that’s not just a problem for us, it’s something affecting the whole country and something the government will really have to look at.”

The latest report was put before the council after an opportunity came up to use the former library building off Lever Edge Lane to provide extra teaching accommodation.

The building had previously been used by Ladywood Special School.

The report said: “This current proposal includes the remodelling of the ground floor area to create an additional hygiene suite and medical room. 

“Existing classrooms and open practical space will be retained and will continue to be used as a multi-functional and general circulation space. 

“The first floor, which has recently been utilised to provide three classrooms will be further remodelled.

“Additional large, fixed storage is required across various location throughout the building. 

ALSO READ: Decision due on £8m expansion of school in town

ALSO READ: Start of £8.6 million school expansion marked with special ceremony

ALSO READ: Outstanding Bolton school celebrated for inspiring its pupils

“In addition, a further hygiene suite is to be created, together with a modest library and meeting room to be established. 

“In total, the proposal will retain five classrooms, which is sufficient to accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers.”

It added: “External modifications are also required, which include an astro turf play area, which will provide the school with continuous external play all year round.”

The scheme is predicted to cost around £500,000 with Cllr Donaghy expected to decide on approving the project on Tuesday, March 4. 

Source – INDIA TV