Councillor Raps Government on Prince Henry's Funding Decision (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Councillor Raps Government on Prince Henry's Funding Decision

November 8, 2005 12:41 PM

Lib Dem Cllr Ryk Downes (Otley & Yeadon) has slammed the Government's failure to provide a much needed multi - million pound funding grant for Otley's Prince Henry's Grammar School. The school hoped to use the money to create a range of new facilities for pupils and teachers, including a new science block as well as improving access to the building itself for easier community use.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) who is a Governor at Prince Henry's said,

"I, along with my fellow ward Councillors have written to Ruth Kelly expressing our extreme disappointment with her decision, inviting her to come and see the situation for herself. That was nearly three weeks ago and so far we have heard nothing, not even an acknowledgment of our letter being received by the DfES. This is simply not good enough. The Government needs to explain why it has turned the bid down."

"Ofsted Inspectors on their last visit noted that the buildings were in a poor state in several areas and that the school should seek financial support for improved facilities. To the letter this is what the school has done and yet no funding is forthcoming. I would hate to think that Prince Henry's has been a victim of its own success. Money is going to have to be spent on the school to give the children the education they deserve."

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.