South Wales Evening Post - 23 February 2007
Swansea Council cabinet has been accused of dithering over the future of a redundant Sketty school.
Local councillor Tony Lloyd says he wants to know why it has taken two-and-a-half years to come up with alternative plans for the old Sketty Primary School in Tycoch Square.
The school closed at the end of the summer term in 2004 and pupils moved into their new building the following September.Since then, the old school building has stood empty. Residents say it is now fast turning into an eyesore.Some are concerned it could also be hit by a possible arson attack.
The council cabinet is now set to consider new uses for the site. It is thought it may be sold off for housing.
Councillor Lloyd said the delay in reaching a decision on its future was staggering.
He added: "The council's education department held up the development of this site by dithering over whether or not the buildings could have been used for other educational purposes.
"I would like an explanation as to why plans were not firmly in place to coincide with the closure of the school in summer 2004.
"The date of the closure had been known for years, yet Swansea Council did not even begin to actively consider alternative uses for the site until later in 2004."
Harri Lloyd Davies, Welsh Conservative candidate for Swansea West in May's Assembly elections, endorsed his concerns.
"The council knew this school was closing for years while the new school site was being constructed. By waiting for another two-and-a-half years after it closed before coming up with plans for alternative use of the site, the council has lost much-needed income from an earlier sale," he said.
Resident Jim Lipton, of Harlech Crescent, said the site needed attention.
He added: " It does seem to be dragging on a bit. It seems to be money down the drain."
Councillor Gareth Sullivan said: "The council has agreed to sell the site and we will be able to reveal further details later."
