Why negative attitude to an academy?

Published: 18th March 2010

• I AM writing to express my disappointment at the continuing negativity of the local Labour Party towards the new UCL academy, which is to be located in Adelaide Road alongside a new and expanded Swiss Cottage School.
A recent Labour leaflet says the council has failed to make the case for a school in Swiss Cottage, or the extension of South Camden Community School (which is to be renovated and largely rebuilt on its current site). 
It goes on to say that the council have failed to consider the needs of children south of the Euston Road.
As a parent of three young children and an active school governor, I know how difficult and stressful it is for parents in the Swiss Cottage and Kilburn area to get their children into a Camden secondary school, and how many children end up travelling to schools across London. 
So I welcome the prospect of a new school in Adelaide Road, as every year children from this area – which includes many council estates – struggle to get into a school near them.
I also support the existing schools affected by changes on the site and I am confident that the outcome will be purpose-built modern facilities with the ethos and existing excellence remaining intact.
More widely, I support the campaign for a new school in the south of the borough.
The council has already earmarked a site and ordered work to be started on making the case.
FIONA CUBBIN
Liberal Democrat Candidate Swiss Cottage