Headingley Development Trust given more time to develop school plans

5.06.19pm GMT Wed 13th Dec 2006

The Lib Dem-led Council have granted the Headingley Development Trust a six month extension to allow them to develop a business plan for Headingley Primary School. Headingley councillors James Monaghan and Martin Hamilton have welcomed today's decision.

Councillor James Monaghan (Lib Dem, Headingley) said "We are pleased that the executive board have overturned officer recommendations and given the Trust an additional six months to work with the council to create a viable plan for keeping the school in community use."

Councillor Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) added, "My colleagues and I support the Headingley Development Trust and can assure residents that under no circumstances will we allow Headingley Primary School to become another bar or student accommodation."

The Council also agreed to review assets in the whole of the Headingley area. The review will consider if Headingley Primary School might in any event provide a new focus for a community and council provision in the future. Remarkably Labour, who accused the Liberal Democrats of wanting a quick sale of the school, opposed the six month extension agreed today. Cllr Keith Wakefield, Labour leader said that six months was "too long" and the council should sell the building after only three months breathing space.