Worries over Local College and School Delays

12.00.00am GMT Tue 27th Jan 2009

MP Vincent Cable has raised with Minister in Parliament, this week, delays in local college and school developments.

The rebuilding plans for the Richmond Tertiary College are affected by the freeze on development currently being imposed by the Learning and Skills Council. Vincent Cable said: "The College had come up with a viable rebuilding programme which respected the local community's concern to avoid overdevelopment and protect green space. Yet it will not be possible to make progress as long as the Government is paralysed. Despite the promises by the Government to invest to offset the impact of recession, good education projects are being held up."

Vincent Cable also approached the Schools Minister over the Government's delays in approving the Heads of Agreement for the Borough's academies' programme for Hampton Community College, Whitton and Sheen. The Minister has now, belatedly, agreed to release the letter of confirmation. Vincent Cable said: "The Government has now done what it promised to do, after a long delay, but only after destabilising the pupils and staff who feel in limbo. This is no way to run a school system."