Petition to Save Queens Park in Chesterfield

Julia in Queens Park

Julia Cambridge, Parliamentary Campaigner for Chesterfield, has called for Chesterfield College to rule out a historic park site as a possible venue for its proposed Technical Academy, she has further raised questions as to the negative impact such an Academy would have on local Chesterfield schools.

She said: 'My priority is getting the best deal for Chesterfield in areas like housing, jobs and education. I have deep concerns about the impact the proposed new Academy will have on our existing schools who are already fighting for students numbers and funds."

In a briefing document from Derbyshire County Council concerning the new Technical Academy they admit:' The transfer of students at 14 could possibly create issues for local schools, should plans go ahead'.

'If this plan is not good for Chesterfield and is detrimental to education in the town then I believe it should be subject to the highest level of scrutiny as a proposal, and that is what I shall be calling for.'

'Along with the primary worry over the impact to existing schools should this plan go ahead, residents have been rightly concerned as to the siting of the school with all the issues over parking and noise such an establishment can bring. I have spoken directly to Trevor Clay, Principle of Chesterfield College and although he thought it unlikely, he has not ruled out the Queens Park Leisure Centre site as a venue.

Local residents, already furious at the prospect of a downgraded Leisure Centre, will be further outraged at it being replaced by a busy Technical College. I would call on Trevor Clay to definitely rule this out as inappropriate for the edge of a Grade 11 listed community park.'

The Labour run County Council has yet to say whether it will give the controversial new Academy its backing.