CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a secondary school in a park have been scrapped.

Bolton Council today announced that it would not proceed with the development in Haslam Park – which has been welcomed as a ‘victory for the environment’ by campaigners against the plans

Instead other schools are likely to be expanded to meet demand.

The decision comes just weeks after plans to build a primary school off land in Captains Clough Road, Smithills, were thrown out in the face of opposition.

Education chiefs say the decision follows a review of the need for a new school, as although pupil projections are volatile especially due to the pandemic, the latest data is now showing a reduction in expected numbers admitted to Bolton secondary schools from September 2028 onwards.

As a result, the project for a new school will remain under review -  but the local authority has stressed that Haslam Park will definitely not be considered as possible site.

A spokesman for the council said that it remains in discussions with the department for education (DfE) to consider next steps to meet the demand for places and this includes expansions of existing schools and ensuring the completion of the new Kings Leadership Academy in Harper Green.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Martyn Cox said: “We can reassure residents that Haslam Park will remain as it is. There is still the important need to provide additional school places over the next few years. We will continue to work with the DfE on all options to provide additional places including expanding existing schools. This may result in some children travelling a longer distance to access education We will also work with the DfE to ensure the build of the Kings Leadership Academy is completed to provide much needed places in the area”.

Cllr Adele Warren, Cabinet Member for regeneration, added: “Releasing sites to the DfE for a development of a new school was always dependent on the need for additional places for the foreseeable future. As the longer term projections are not demonstrating this need, I’m pleased we can confirm that Haslam Park will not be developed and will remain open public space.”

Alan Johnson, from the Save Haslam Park campaign group, welcomed the development.

He said: “It is a lovely park which is well loved by those who use it.

“We said straight from the start we did not oppose a new school being built but in the right place.

“It appears the council have found the right place and it is not this public park or nature reserve.

“Green space benefits the community both physically and mentally.

“The park celebrated its 100th anniversary, now this was we can see it celebrate its 101s and 102nd.

“It is a victory for the environment.”