Castle Tower - no progress

BALLYMENA councillors have once again voiced their disappointment at the lack of progress over the new building for Castle Tower School.

At last Monday’s council meeting, members heard how the Minister “cannot provide a time frame for the progress of this particular project.”

Sinn Fein Councillor Monica Digney said she was very disappointed, she said: “It has been five years since this first raised this ugly head. Special needs has to be pulled into it’s own category as it can’t compete with normal state schools.

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“For years Special Needs schools are the first places for any cuts and Once again Special Needs schools and kids will lose out.”

Councillor Neil Armstrong suggested that follow the example of Whitehouse Primary School who finally received news that they would get a new school after media heavy protests.”

He said: “Most of us seen the school in North Belfast to get its school after three or four nights of media coverage. If we want something doing we are going to have to try a different approach.

“There are not enough kids for primary schools and special needs children could use some of these facilities. We need to maximize the way we use our resources.”

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While Councillor Hubert Nicholl added: “I think we can take it for granted we are never going to see this school built in my lifetime. We need a school here because the three schools are in such a bad way.

“Whitehouse Primary School are going to get a new school but Castle Tower have been waiting for longer.”

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