Liberal Democrat Councillor Brian Simpson today questioned senior Tories at County Hall about the crisis at George Pindar Community Sports College (GPCSC) in Eastfield, Scarborough.

Cllr Simpson is concerned that new housing developments in Eastfield will not be in the catchment area for GPCSC. This will mean half of the young people of Eastfield having to go to Scarborough schools instead of the one in Eastfield.

Cllr Simpson said:

“I am disappointed with the response I received from the Tory portfolio holder. He ignored the issue of community cohesion, which I thought was supposed to be a County Council priority. He ignored the current situation at the college, claiming that the school is only overcrowded by five pupils. The reality is the college is having to teach children in a church hall. The Headteacher no longer has an office, as it is now a classroom, and children are being taught in corridors.”

Councillor Simpson asked for public consultation regarding catchment areas, however the Tory portfolio holder was unwilling to commit to this.

“In the short term there needs to be action to alleviate the overcrowding. The public need to be properly consulted over catchment areas  for new housing developments in the area.”