Schools’ chiefs taken to task over shake-up

The overview and scrutiny committee met director of children's services Richard Hubbard and the department's cabinet member Liz Eyre for an explanation of mistakes that had been made.

The reorganisation will see Manor Park, Rose Hill and Thornton House special schools close and be replaced with two new schools, due to open in September.

In January the Worcester News reported how the cost of the project had spiralled from £5 million to £10.2 million and at the meeting committee chairman John Buckley asked for an explanation of what had gone wrong.

Mr Hubbard said extra spending had come from changes in Government building standards and a greater amount of repairs needed on the Thornton House site than was originally thought.

"I don't think there was any view of the scope of improved standards that we are talking about," he said.

"Since 2004, not only have standards risen but building costs have risen too."

But Coun Liz Tucker said: "I clearly remember sitting with parents who were adamant Thornton House needed work done - they were not being listened to."

Coun Jo Hodges said: "I find it hard to accept the cost of this has doubled just because building standards have increased."

The committee also asked how people had been led to believe the schools would open this year when in fact they would now not open until September 2009.

Mr Hubbard admitted confusion had arisen between the physical opening of buildings and the opening of the schools as new establishments.

"There's something here about the quality and clarity of communication right from the word go, so the two things became confused," he said.

Coun Eyre added: "I would say loose language created confusion."

Mr Hubbard and Coun Eyre admitted the project had suffered from weak leadership but said the situation had improved and lessons had been learned from a similar scheme in north Worcestershire.

Mr Hubbard said: "I take the points being made."