30 December (Part 2) - Shenstone School
While contemplating a review of the year it suddenly registered with me that
the subject of Shenstone School had not been wrapped up.
On 8th November the Labour Group
paraded parents in front of Full Council as
part of their campaign to expose the alleged problems with development of the
new school; a subject I knew nothing about.
In an effort to remedy that situation
I emailed Cabinet
Member Caroline Newton and asked for a few pointers. Caroline is not a
Councillor I have contacted before but she was always friendly enough when I
used to go to her Scrutiny meetings; it was therefore disappointing that no reply was forthcoming.
What I forgot to mention here was that Caroline did eventually reply but by then
the November Council meeting was no longer topical. It was remiss of me to
leave the impression that I had been totally ignored.
Caroline had been out of the country for a protracted period and inevitably
faced a number of more pressing matters once back home. She nevertheless sent me by far the
longest explanatory email ever received from any Councillor and I suspect I must now know
more about Shenstone School than any of her fellow Councillors. Far too much to
be repeated here but perhaps a
web link might be useful.
As the Leader indicated in November there were
problems with the first tenders received once subjected to the internal and externally
procured due diligence processes. In particular there was insufficient confidence that
the bids received would deliver the vision of the project and/or within the
budget. The second tendering process is now complete with the contractor choice decision expected within the next few weeks,
but it inevitably led to
delay and disappointed parents.
There were no financial constraints.
Meanwhile apologies are due to Caroline Newton for the implication that she does
not respond to enquiries. She is hoping the school will be ready for September 2025.