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News and Comment December 2023

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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.

 

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