In summer of 2017 the new build of St Nicholas Community Primary School ground to a halt as the contractor went into liquidation (
https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/education/schools-new-5m-building-wont-411409 ) preventing the school opening on schedule in the summer.
The new site opened after a two week half term in October, this delay cost parents and teachers a considerable amount in childcare. Further delays followed as utilities on site were not up to standard. Staff endeavoured to minimise disruption to the children’s education at the cost of their own time and effort.
Some of this disruption has been going on since the start of the new build over two years ago.
Today the school is still a building site with areas cordoned off, and re-cordoned off when the weather blew those down.
Throughout the winter children have had to access a poorly lit school for after school events and clubs. There is no street-lighting on the path leading into the school beside St Nicholas Church. It is not safe and very frightening for pupils.
The path has not been widened and does not provide enough space for the footfall accessing the school with prams, bikes, scooters or more than one child.
There is no easy or safe access for parents to drop off or collect their children without causing obstructions, trespass or danger to life. Choke points make it dangerous for children using their bikes, scooters and walking into school.
Poor traffic control on the corner of Holme Church Lane, Bulcher Lane, and Beaver Road is also putting lives at risk.
The extended closure of footpath No12 leading from Holme Church Lane to Grovehill Road continues to cause elderly residents problems, disorienting them or making it impossible for them to navigate.
All these matters were raised at the planning consultations. None of them have been resolved. This is not a 21st Century school as one ward councillor hoped for.
The school field was lost when the new build began, two years later children still do not have access to a large, suitable by law, play area. Currently 300 children are limited to exercise on a small tennis court.
Once again contractors are delayed due to poor drainage and contractors are now damaging original work while repairing other problems.
Many minor injuries have been caused on the footpath. Children are scared of attending school clubs, deciding against after school activities because of the dark. Car drivers are not able to see/react to those crossing the roads in the area resulting in a number of close calls. Children have to wear mud soaked clothes when they fall from their bikes or slip in the mud as there simply aren't enough spare uniforms to go around. Play and exercise time is limited because of lack of space.
We believe our children should be able to access and use the school safely. This is not the case. The health and well-being of the pupils have been put second for too long.
