Is this the end of the road for free school? - Local

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Is this the end of the road for free school?

Published on 26/06/2012 09:33

FREE school plans for Bedford were plunged into disarray last night as planning chiefs voted against the scheme.

200 children have signed up to start at Bedford Free School in September and bosses claim it will still open as usual.

The school had put in an application to convert a former Bedford College building in Cauldwell Street into a school.

But despite council officers recommending the plans concerns about road safety and congestion in the area caused council chiefs to vote four to three against with the deciding vote being cast by chair Anita Gerrard.

And this morning Bedford Free School head Mark Lehain claimed that talks would be ongoing to help secure that the school project happens.

In a statement on the school’s website he said: “A recommendation for approval of planning for the Bedford Free School was turned down last night by local councillors voting four to three.

“The Principal and Governors are today in a meeting with a team of advisors agreeing the next step.

“Please be assured the situation will be resolved and the school will open.”

More to come on this breaking news story, plus a full report of last night’s meeting.

Email your views on the free school to editorial@timesandcitizen.co.uk

Or join the twitter debate @BedfordTC

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Is this the end of the road for free school?

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