LOCAL residents are still expressing concern about the tearing down of the old school building at Forest and Sandridge Primary School and the plans to build houses on the land.
Building progress for the new site is well under way and whilst the need for a new site is understood by the community, a few locals are still upset about the thought of the old building being torn down.
Vicky Smith who lives in Melksham and whose children went to the school, told Melksham News, “It is so sad that one of the oldest buildings in Melksham is going to be replaced by houses. If we aren’t careful, we won’t have anything left of our towns history.
“It seems to me that the council has turned a blind eye to this issue and I think that is so sad.
“The new site is clearly needed, but surely they can do something else with the building in order to preserve its history.”
Anna Wilcox, headteacher of the primary school said, “There was a huge consultation regarding the demolition of the school as part of the planning permission process. It was a thorough discussion and the decision wasn’t rushed or not thought about properly.
“The building has had its day but it is not fit for purpose. As to whether it could have been used for anything else, I can’t comment. It is up to the people who bought the land.”
Vicky Smith’s views were supported by local resident Mark Clements from Melksham, who attended the planning application meeting a couple of years ago and subsequently wrote to the council rejecting the demolition.
He wrote, “The historic old school building is a distinctive landmark for anyone approaching the town. If you look at the original 140 year old Victorian stone structure it is of some architectural merit. It is a building that could serve the community for many more years without the intervention of Persimmon Homes.”
The school is holding a celebration event on the afternoon of the 4th of July where they will celebrate the years they have had at the school. All past and present students, parents and staff are most welcome.
Anna Wilcox reflects, “The memories of the school building will come with us to our new site, they will not be forgotten. The history will always be important to us as a community.”
For more information about the new school being built, visit the school’s website and follow their blog, www.forestsandridge.co.uk
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