LEADER HOLLEY HITS BACK IN EDUCATION ROW

2 September 2005

Council leader Chris Holley has joined the argument over Swansea's new £20 million super school. He says the row is putting children's education at risk.

Councillor Holley is the latest member of the administration to attack Labour colleagues over their criticism of the plans for Bishop Gore school.

The row erupted after Swansea cabinet members put forward a proposal to spend £20 million refurbishing the school.

The plan is part of school reorganisation in the city which will see the closure of Dylan Thomas School.

Labour leader David Phillips questioned where the money is coming from.Opposition councillors say that unless concrete funding for the project is found they will mount a challenge to the scheme.

However, Councillor Holley says the continued opposition is putting Swansea children's education at risk. He also blamed the Labour Party for many of Swansea schools' current problems.

He said: "Labour has a sorry track record on education in Swansea. They have failed to invest in schools and they failed to tackle falling pupil numbers.

"Yet, when we propose to invest £20 million to improve the education of more than 1,500 pupils, they oppose it for petty political reasons. It is the politics of spite.

''Labour is playing a dangerous political game with the futures of children in Swansea."

Council leaders say the reforms are needed and wanted by most parents in the city."These proposals are based on what parents, pupils and others have told us," said Councillor Holley.

"They want pupils put first and for school buildings to be fit."

We will continue to listen to these groups to ensure our proposals are right for all pupils."Labour leader Councillor Phillips denied accusations that they were to blame for the state of schools.

He said: "Labour's record of investing in Swansea schools and its commitment to education is well established.

''We expect investment to be properly costed, sustainable and provide value for money.

"So far, the coalition looks to be failing on all three counts.

"Wanting to know just how £20 million is to be raised can hardly be described as playing petty politics."