Andy Burnham steps in to support Stamford Park Primary with a £4 million repair bill for the historic building.
Sarah Price and Emily DeAbaitua asked for support, and Burnham visited the school to talk about these issues. DeAbaitua said the school lacks funding. The council has little money for maintenance, and the school is the only listed primary school there.
Energy costs were very high last year, and specialist contractors must do all repairs. The needed repairs cost about £4 million, and the school protects the old building. However, the roof leaks and windows need fixing; they also need to fix a sports equipment shed. The shed repair costs £60,000, much more than other schools would pay.
Edie Lyons likes the school’s old features. She mentioned leaks closed the computer room recently. Seb Lea said they study Victorian times. The school has many old chimneys, not in use anymore.
Burnham talked to kids and explained his job as mayor. Burnham asked about “school streets,” a plan that closes roads during drop-off/pick-up. He wants a solution for the school, and offered a meeting to help.
He thinks many groups must assist; the government and heritage groups need involvement too. Just using local funds is not enough, it needs a combined effort. He suggested including the government and heritage bodies, and that Trafford council should be there too.
He can offer transport help: getting everyone involved is the best approach. Trafford Council stated they get £2.6m a year. This money maintains 39 schools including this one.
They are working with the school to help. The school is complex and repairs are expensive due to the listing.