Lib Dems call for Land Sale Profits to be spent on local Community Facilities in Northampton

4.46.52pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 12th Sep 2006

Councillor John Yates

Liberal Democrat Councillors are calling for profits from the sale of surplus school land in Northampton to be invested into local community facilities in Northampton.

Cllr. John Yates (Boughton Green) speaking at the Northamptonshire County Council's Cabinet Meeting said: "The school land was originally acquired by the people of Northampton for their schools. The County Council inherited it. Now it is surplus to requirements, we believe that the surplus profits from its sale should go towards community facilities for local people. Kingsthorpe has for a long time been in need of a Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool, and the sale of the land at Kingsthorpe Middle School could be a positive contributor to providing this much needed community facility"

Cllr. Richard Church (Lib Dem County Council Leader) stated: "We recognise that the County Council needs to raise £65 million pounds for the P.F.I. Scheme for building and refurbishing forty one schools in Northampton. However we believe that the sale of the surplus school properties and land will raise well in access of that, and we believe that this should be retained in Northampton and used to provide community facilities in those areas that need them."

The Northamptonshire County Council Cabinet has approved the principle of the sale of surplus school properties and land - eighteen sites in total - to one selected bidder. Bids are currently being sought and the Leader of the Council is being authorised to accept the tender that offers the Council best value for money.