Gove says no to Belsize Park free school
Tuesday October 11, 2011
By DAN CARRIER
PARENTS campaigning to establish a free school in former hostels in Belsize Park were told by the government last night (Monday) that their bid has not been successful. The Belsize Free School group, made up of parents in the area with school age children, are still waiting for the reasons behind Education Secretary Michael Gove's decision.
The Department of Education had received a detailed proposal to set up the one form entry primary in a pair of former Town Hall-owned hostels in Maresfield Gardens and Fitzjohns Avenue by campaigners who say there are not enough classroom places for under-11's in the Belsize Park area. They had hoped to open by September 2012, although the bid has been mired in controversy after the ruling Labour group at the Town Hall failed to back the project and began marketing the buildings on the private market.
Belsize Lib Dem councillor Tom Simon said "This is extremely disappointing. The campaigners worked very hard and put together a strong bid and should be congratulated for getting as far as they did. I think the Conservative Secretary of State, Michael Gove, has made a poor decision and children are left without the school they so badly need. Camden Lib Dems will continue to do everything we can to push the Labour council to finally find a solution to the problem".