YOUR article about the redevelopment of Hob Moor School (December 10) included a confession by Labour councillor Janet Looker that "we didn't go out to public consultation". For Coun Looker to justify her stance on the basis that expeditiousness takes precedence over democratic process, displays contemptible arrogance.
Moreover, had she read the minutes of the October 25 ward meeting - which primarily discussed the redevelopment - then she would not have had the gall to state "there may be one or two people concerned about traffic access, but basically people are being very supportive". Those present expressed their opposition to increased traffic from the proposed development, building houses on the site and any over-development.
The residents also voiced the obvious: that changes to Green Lane would lead to much more and faster traffic, and encourage parking not deter it. This would mean extra danger to young children and the environmental destruction of a pleasant cul-de-sac. All at a cost of at least £200,000!
Given the facts, councillor, will you now retract and apologise; actively consult the residents, parents, teachers and educationists; and adopt plans based on their legitimate and deeply felt concerns?
Should the Lib/Dems be gloating in self-righteousness, it would help if Councillor Steve Galloway could persuade his wife, the ward councillor, to adopt his somewhat sanctimonious recognition of democratic principles; to jointly put aside political opportunism and poll the people who matter: the residents and the parents. Repeated requests to her for such a poll have, as with other related matters, so far been ignored.
We should not lose sight of the fundamental objective: to replace two run-down schools with a modern school complex for children under 12 in a safe and dedicated environment. It is what anxious parents, devoted teachers, the local community and, above all, future generations of children, want, need and deserve.
John R Arrowsmith,
Green Lane,
York.
Updated: 15:10 Friday, January 18, 2002
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