RICHARD DRAX, the Conservative South Dorset MP, has today (Tuesday, July 6th) responded to the Coalition Government’s decision to stop the Portland Academy project.
The Portland Academy, which is one of hundreds of projects halted in yesterday’s announcement, was to have been an ‘all-through Academy’, catering to children aged from 4 to 19. A feasibility study into the project, costing hundreds of thousands of pounds, is understood to have been stopped.
The project had not been without its critics. One local primary school - St. George’s – was particularly concerned about maintaining its autonomy.
In response to the latest moves, Richard said: “Whatever funding there is in the future, the wishes of the majority of parents at St. George’s must be respected and taken into account. Clearly, any funding for education on the island is welcome.
“The project would bring much needed investment onto the island, which was looking forward to a significant boost in the future of its children’s education.
“However, I hold the previous Labour Government responsible for promising Portland millions of pounds which clearly were not there. This promise has raised false expectations and will no doubt disappoint many.
“However, we are not the only constituency to suffer and hundreds of projects have been cancelled across the country.
“As everyone knows, we now face tough economic times and the country will have to live within her means.
“I shall do all I can to see if there is any other possible capital finding for the Island’s schools but I am not in a position to make any promises.
‘Finally, I shall be meeting with the local education authority as a matter of urgency to discuss the implications of this news.”