Sir, - What utter nonsense we read in your columns from Stockton Conservative James Wharton, who criticises the Labour Government's school building programme in our borough.
To suggest that our £150m programme to replace, rebuild or revitalise all our secondary schools won't deliver the education our children need is not only utter nonsense but shows his lack of knowledge and understanding of such things.
Our programme, still subject to further consultation with schools, parents and the wider community, was developed with our headteachers, and offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform learning in our borough. That, coupled with our highly-motivated teachers, will build on our success as leaders nationally in driving up standards and help all our children realise their potential.
He has also failed to keep up to date with the amended proposals for the school building programme. If he had, he would know there have been considerable changes to the original proposals following consultation with the community.
Even so, the new plans that include a considerable expansion of school places in Ingleby Barwick, a first class academy for Thornaby, provision for Roman Catholic pupils which meet their needs and approval of the Diocese, and the widest possible range of provision for other pupils, are not cast in stone.
Our local community will have their say AGAIN on our plans - and help us get the best possible result for our children.
The only barriers that need to be overcome are in Mr Wharton's mind.
COUN ALEX CUNNINGHAM Cabinet member for children and young people Stockton Borough Council
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