Spalding’s proposed new Springwell Alternative Academy meets opposition

Plans for a new academy in Spalding have met with a barrage of opposition.

Springwell Alternative Academy is proposing to convert the former Post-16 Centre at Matmore Gate.

The centre is in the grounds of the existing Spalding Academy and would be used for students aged from five to 16 who may have been excluded from other schools, or who have problems.

But local residents have launched a petition in a bid to prevent the move.

“Residents and visitors, including a care home, are already under siege twice a day with often total blockage of local roads at school time, making access virtually impossible,” says one letter sent to the Voice.

“We all embrace the young and realise the need to educate all – but not in one small concentrated area where there is no alternative route,” it said.

The company behind the proposals applied for permission to construct a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at the site. The school proposals, which do not need planning permission, were revealed within the application.

The school would be one of four being run by the trust, but there is no consultation meeting planned for Spalding.

“It’s not a matter of if, but when a serious accident occurs and a life will be lost,” said the letter.

“We invite all concerned to visit between 3pm and 3.30pm to witness this.”

  • See this week’s letters on page nine for more views on the proposal.

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