Jersey minister says delays to new school 'not an option'
He called on all sides to engage in discussions around the project and visit the existing schools to "understand the urgency" of needing a new school.Ward added: "Let's work together to build a better future - for our children, our community and our town."
'Facing a choice'
The education minister said arguments against the school based on Jersey's falling birth rate were missing the point, in his opinion."Some claim falling birth rates mean we don't need new facilities," he said."But this isn't about increasing capacity, it's about replacing inadequate schools."Ward added the government's plans had already been allocated funding while proposals to extend the park - which Friends of Millennium Park chairman Bernie Manning said would be better - had not been costed."We face a choice - thoughtful, integrated planning that meets educational, environmental, and community needs - or fragmented ideas that ignore the realities of our town," Ward said.
Speaking previously to the BBC, Mr Manning said he did not think St Helier's deputies were doing enough to reflect the views of residents.Mr Manning said most members of the Friends of Millennium Park who he had spoken to did not think a new school was needed and would rather have a park extension."With the amount of people now using the park, we definitely need to extend the park all the way to St Saviour's Road," he said.
In his proposition, Crowcroft said he would like the Council of Ministers to present a report to the States Assembly by the end of 2025.He said he would like to report to include an assessment of the need for a new school, have up to date financial projections and the traffic impact of the plans.
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