Some might dismiss it as a pre-election gambit but there was a vote, with Executive members taking different sides, at last night's Brent Executive.
The vote was on the officer's report on the proposed expansion of Princess Frederica Primary School. As reported below expansion was opposed by the great majority of parents and some local residents. There were concerns over the limited pavement space for pedestrians around the site, impact on the school's outdoor pay space and disruption during building.
Muhammed Butt said that extra school places were needed 'but we are committed to listening to the voices of residents and are not prepared to ride roughshod over parents' concerns. In the face of so many opposing views, it is our duty to listen and re-think proposals to see if we can accomodate as many people's views as possible.'
Other campaigners in Brent such as those in Willesden Green and parents at Gladstone Park will wonder why he did not show the same respect for their concerns. However, his statement still allows for a revised plan to come forward, probably after the local elections.
Cllr Michael Pavey, lead member for children and families, said that they had learnt from the parents' campaign and would now take a step back to look at the expansion programme anew.
Councillor George Crane, lead member for regeneration and major projects, however supported the officers' report and said local reservations should be dealt with through the planning process and wondered why Princess Frederica should be different from Newfield, Harlesden and Robert Southwell primary schools that were expanding without problems.
When the issue came to the vote Muhammed Butt (leader), Michael Pavey, James Denselow, Krupesh Hirani, Aslam Choudry and Jim Moher voted against the officers' recommendation. to expand the school. Ruth Moher (deputy leader) and Margaret McLennan abstained and George Crane voted for the recommendations.
The vote was on the officer's report on the proposed expansion of Princess Frederica Primary School. As reported below expansion was opposed by the great majority of parents and some local residents. There were concerns over the limited pavement space for pedestrians around the site, impact on the school's outdoor pay space and disruption during building.
Muhammed Butt said that extra school places were needed 'but we are committed to listening to the voices of residents and are not prepared to ride roughshod over parents' concerns. In the face of so many opposing views, it is our duty to listen and re-think proposals to see if we can accomodate as many people's views as possible.'
Other campaigners in Brent such as those in Willesden Green and parents at Gladstone Park will wonder why he did not show the same respect for their concerns. However, his statement still allows for a revised plan to come forward, probably after the local elections.
Cllr Michael Pavey, lead member for children and families, said that they had learnt from the parents' campaign and would now take a step back to look at the expansion programme anew.
Councillor George Crane, lead member for regeneration and major projects, however supported the officers' report and said local reservations should be dealt with through the planning process and wondered why Princess Frederica should be different from Newfield, Harlesden and Robert Southwell primary schools that were expanding without problems.
When the issue came to the vote Muhammed Butt (leader), Michael Pavey, James Denselow, Krupesh Hirani, Aslam Choudry and Jim Moher voted against the officers' recommendation. to expand the school. Ruth Moher (deputy leader) and Margaret McLennan abstained and George Crane voted for the recommendations.
Proof that if you want something you need to ask for it in the run up to the elections?
ReplyDelete'.......I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance'. Luke 15: 7
ReplyDeleteThere you are, Mr Pavey and your Copland IEB functionaries. It's not just the parents, students and staff who want a democratic secret ballot to demonstrate their rejection of the forced academisation of Copland by you, Gove and the Ark kleptocrats; God wants it too!
ReplyDeleteOf course its a Pre-Election sweetener to the parents of Kensal and Queens Park Wards - to get back in their good books.
ReplyDeleteBrent Labour were obviously worried by the stench kicked up by the Save Kensal Rise Incredibly vocal campaigners that they must be thanking the stars the The Princess Frederica plans landed when they did.
I wonder if we have heard the last of this or will it raise it's head again after the election?
Cllr Butt was worried that he would loose James Denselow - his internet and press Spin Doctor over the Kensal Rise Library closure and his Kensal Green councillors too.
ReplyDeleteThen where would he be?