A long-running saga over improvements to a Bedfordshire school and the potential for legal action appears to have been resolved.
The £4.4m project to redevelop parts of Leighton Middle School in Leighton Buzzard has come within the budget, a meeting of Central Bedfordshire Council heard.
But in August 2019, a report to CBC’s executive warned that “costs continue to escalate”, with the expenditure slipping into the 2019/20 financial year.
“The contingency has been spent and continuous budget uplifts are required to cover additional ongoing issues,” said the report. “The final costs are still not agreed with the contractor.
“The current forecast total project cost is £5.5m, £1.7m over budget and a pressure on the basic need grant.”
During open questions at the full council meeting, Independent Aspley and Woburn councillor John Baker asked for an update on “where we are with the Leighton Middle School budget and overspend problems”.
“It isn’t just about money. It’s about wasted school time as well. The impact on education.
“The impact of this project on reducing learning time and the impact on the teachers and the school.
“This will give you the chance to address the other issue and apologise to the school.”
Conservative Dunstable Watling councillor Eugene Ghent replied: “I’ll read out a written statement I sent to councillor Baker, yesterday.
“As part of our normal contract management arrangements, talks were concluded this week and our Leighton Middle School scheme has come within budget.
“This will be reported to executive in due course through our normal capital reporting process.
“As far as the impact on education, I don’t think any children suffered a loss of school hours through this.
“If they were, I certainly haven’t been made aware of it. I can’t imagine we shut things down because of some building work going on.
“The construction was always planned. Of course things go wrong. But I’m not aware of a severe impact on any child’s education.”
Councillor Baker said: “You’ve kind of answered the financial question, but still haven’t told us the total amount spent on the school project.
“Regarding the impact on education, speaking to the headteacher, I believe the children were left in their classrooms without heating during winter, having to wear their coats in class.
“I don’t think that’s an appropriate way for children to learn, so perhaps that does need addressing.”
Councillor Ghent, who’s the executive member for housing and assets, explained: “This project has come within the budget set by the council of £4.4m.”
He offered to speak to councillor Baker offline and pass his other concerns to CBC’s education department.”
A topping-out ceremony took place at the school in Church Square in February 2017.
The development is part of a 120-place expansion, enabling it to accommodate 600 pupils.
Headteacher at the time, Anne Thompson said: “It’s great to see the building emerging into its environment, and we’re looking forward to the opportunities it will offer pupils.”
Conservative Stotfold and Langford councillor Steve Dixon also previously stated: “Owing to the compact nature of the school site, it’s been a much more challenging expansion scheme than some others in which the council’s been involved.
“I have been impressed with the focus and support throughout this project by council officers, (construction firm) Kier and particularly Anne Thompson, school staff and governors.
“I look forward to returning in the coming months to see the final building,” added councillor Dixon, who was then executive member for education and skills.
