RESIDENTS opposed to relocating King David Junior School to Heaton Park have formed an action group.

As reported in the Guide, the proposal to build a new primary school on the current Parkside Training Centre site has been met with concern by a number of residents and local councillors.

A meeting was held at the centre, which lies just within the park grounds off Sheepfoot Lane, and residents were able to put their views to the leader of Manchester City Council, Richard Leese.

Now a group of Prestwich residents has formed the Heaton Park Action Group, which is being supported by Sedgley Park councillor Coun Ann Garner.

Acting chairman of the group, Julia Kennedy, said: "This group has been set up to try and stop any primary school being relocated to the area which is now occupied by the Parkside centre, within Heaton Park.

"While we understand the need for King David to expand and relocate, we do not think Heaton Park is the best location, for many reasons."

Mrs Kennedy, who lives in Sheepfoot Lane, said Heaton Park is a Grade 2 registered park, intended for the public and the Parkside Centre was only meant to be a temporary building.

She said: "If and when it is demolished, this land should be returned to the park. Manchester residents contribute to the upkeep of the park through the council tax. This is their land and it should never be allowed to be built on."

The group also cites the loss of specialist trees and the impact of traffic on Sheepfoot Lane as reasons to oppose the proposals.

Since the public meeting in August, Coun Garner has also been busy canvassing support for an objection to the plans.

She sent out a survey to 400 residents and received around 48 replies - a response rate of 12 per cent.

A total of 84 per cent of those who responded said they were against any development in the park, while 72 per cent said they wanted the Parkside Centre restored to parkland.

Coun Garner said: "I am very pleased to offer all the support I can to this action group. It is really important that we protect green spaces. While we fully support the need for King David to relocate, Manchester City Council must find a site in North Manchester that doesnt involve building on a public park."

Coun Garner said the results of the survey would be sent to the council and she hopes they will renew their efforts to find a more suitable site.

As yet, no formal plans have been submitted to Manchester City Council. The governors of the school, which is off Bury Old Road, Crumpsall, are expected to propose that the high school is rebuilt on its current site and the nursery, infant and junior school is relocated to the Parkside Centre.