Waltham Forest Council faced scrutiny over the cancellation of the Yardley Primary School expansion project. Councillor Kelly Summers questioned Councillor Daisy Richards, Portfolio Lead Member for Children and Young People, about the project's cancellation and the perceived waste of public money.
Councillor Summers expressed disappointment that Councillor Richards had not issued a public apology to the families and employees of St. Francis Preschool, which closed in preparation for the expansion. I'm sure many residents and ex-employees would welcome an apology for the Council's mismanagement, which has left our community without a sufficient preschool provision,
Councillor Summers stated.
Councillor Richards responded by acknowledging the impact the situation had on the community and stated that prioritising places for students and ensuring access to good quality education is important to the council. She added, I believe that the decision was made between the school and the preschool and the trustees. I am truly sorry that the families feel let down by that.
Councillor Richards also noted that while the responsibility for the situation was not hers to place directly, she apologised for the impact it had caused.
