Somerset County Council has this week confirmed that £182,000 of funding it received from the development of Highbridge’s Asda store has been earmarked towards the development of King Alfred School.
In response to a Freedom Of Information request raised by Highbridge town councillor John Parkes, the County Council has confirmed that they have had the money since September 2010 and must spend it within ten years, or it will be returned.
The County Council also says it is earmarked for King Alfred School and will be used for classrooms and/or “core facilities” which will be needed as student numbers rise from 2018 onwards.
Cllr Parkes, right, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It is great to have confirmation that this money will be spent at King Alfred School.”
“I’ll be keeping in touch with the County Council and the school authorities to make sure it is used by 2020 so that it is not lost.”
“Given all the public interest in this topic, it is surprising that the present County Councillor has not made this information public but that it has taken a Freedom of Information request to find out what the situation is.”
“I’m not even sure that the school knew this money was in the pipeline! I’m sure they, and the parents and students, will be delighted.”
It comes after Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported last month that several Lib Dem councillors, including Cllr Parkes, claimed they’d uncovered a “scandal” because Highbridge had failed to benefit from the £612,000 of funding generated by Asda opening its store in the town.
Also see:
Highbridge town centre ‘misses out on regeneration cash’ from Asda
Claims of £612,000 funding ‘scandal’ in Highbridge denied by council
