Proposal for Manchester Referendum on School in Heaton Park

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 28th Mar 2006

Manchester Liberal Democrats have put forward plans to have a referendum of the people of Manchester on whether or not a new school should be built in Heaton Park.

The Council's proposals to build a new school in Heaton Park are extremely controversial. Manchester Liberal Democrats' 2006 manifesto contains a commitment to holding a Manchester-wide referendum to decide whether or not the school should go ahead.

At the full Council meeting on Wednesday 29th March, Manchester's Liberal Democrat Councillors will vote in support of a referendum on the "school in the park" proposals.

Manchester Lib Dem Group Secretary Paul Shannon, will be proposing the motion, said:

"A referendum would establish once and for all the views of the people of Manchester on this issue. I very much hope that at Wednesday's Council meeting, Manchester's Labour Councillors join us to ensure that a proper consultation, through a referendum, takes place."

Cllr Alison Firth, Manchester's Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson, added:

"There's been a massive amount of public debate on this issue. No Council calling itself "democratic" could fail to support our plans for a Manchester-wide referendum."

End

Heaton Park

This Council notes -

1. That Heaton Park is one of the finest parks in Europe.

2. That millions of pounds have been invested lately to restore Heaton Park.

3. That there is currently a huge amount of public debate about whether a new school should be built in Heaton Park.

4. That a new North Manchester school is much needed.

5. That there are serious concerns about the impact on Heaton Park of the Council's current proposals.

That Council resolves to hold a referendum of the people of Manchester over whether a new school should be built in Heaton Park.

Supported by:

Manchester's 38 opposition Liberal Democrat Councillors including:

Councillors Paul Shannon (proposer - Lib Dem Group Secretary) & Alison Firth (seconder - Lib Dem Education Spokesperson)