Lib Dem Fortis Green councillor Martin Newton is calling for Labour councillor George Meehan not to take up his chair on the “independent” Schools Organisation Committee when the body discusses the possible expansion of Coldfall School.

The call comes following an education meeting at Coldfall School last night where concern was raised over the objectivity of Cllr Meehan who has been heavily involved in the Coldfall School expansion debate.

The proposal to expand the school, aimed at addressing the school place shortage in the area, has split parents in the area. Many parents with pupils currently at the school believe the expansion will disrupt and over-stretch the school. But many prospective parents believe that with a new housing development planned for the old Lynx depot, the existing places problem will be further exacerbated.

The Council has referred the issue to the Schools Organisational Committee for the final decision.

Cllr Newton comments:

“Haringey Council has a poor record over consultation in Haringey and it is important that this contentious issue is not brought into disrepute.

“It is clear that Cllr Meehan is heavily involved in this issue and it would be foolish of him to jeopardise the perceived objectivity of the committee by chairing the meeting. I will be requesting that he steps down for this particular meeting. It is particularly important that parents on all sides feel that the many issues are dealt with fully and properly.”