Peakirk-cum-Glinton Primary School
In an open letter to the Tribune, the Governing body of Peakirk-cum-Glinton CofE Primary School have re-stated that it is their intention to support plans to develop the school on its existing site, rather than consider the option of relocating.
Recent media reports gave the impression that it was in fact a ‘done deal’ that the school would be re-built on the Arthur Mellows Village College side of Glinton – and as you will see from the open letter on page 50 of this issue, this is most definitely not the case.
The school has been located in the heart of the village since 1846 and has been an integral part of village life throughout the generations.
Its location enables children and parents to walk or cycle to school within a secure village environment, but, over recent years the school buildings have become less appropriate to current teaching needs and are becoming difficult and expensive to maintain.
One of the concerns some Glinton residents share is that IF the school WAS relocated, it could signal a green light to planners and developers for further village expansion, including the possibility of housing on the Glebe Land area.
The relocation site also falls within the outer safety zone of the gas compressor station. Although the building of a small school within this zone would be permissible, this would mean moving the school from its current, safe location, to one with a potential risk associated with it…
Open letter to the Tribune…
Dear Editor
There has been much conjecture in recent weeks concerning the future development of Peakirk cum Glinton Primary School. The Governing Body would like to take this opportunity to clarify its position on the matters raised.
The Governors took a decision last year to support the redevelopment of the school on its existing site. Despite much speculation about an alternative site the Governing Body have no plans to reconsider its original decision unless there are new and compelling reasons presented.
At this time the arguments presented in support of the alternative locations adjacent to Arthur Mellows Village College are not acceptable for a number of reasons, not least of which is the issue of the welfare of the primary school aged children.
At the last meeting of the Governing Body it was agreed unanimously to push forward with the existing proposals for developing the current site.
Should anyone wish to discuss this matter please contact the school governors.
Yours sincerely
The Governing Body of Peakirk-cum-Glinton
C of E Primary School
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hats off to the Governors for this decision!
The school and church are the very heart of the village and, as a CofE school, it makes perfect sense for the two to be together.
Some things are worth preserving for the sake of tradition, and the site of the school is one of those things.
To replace it with rows of housing would ruin the character of Glinton as a traditional English village.
I completely agree with Simon Potter. My children went to this school and what is wrong with tradition? I like the fact the school is near the church. So many village schools have been moved to other sites, leaving a gap in the heart of the village and of couse within a few years these new buidings are showing signs of ageing too. They also seem to lose their soul (see Helpston and Newborough to some extent) I love the old part of the school the way the old garden is used by the Early Years Foundation Stage is both traditional and such good contemporary educational practice, long may it continue!
I agree with both of you! I am an attending pupil of the school and I like the grounds! Perhaps you could knock down the shabby looking 80’s buildings (Of course, being aware of the asbestos hazard) and replace them with a modern learning facility.