The full text of the letter from Bridgit Prentice MP

12 July 2004

Dear Mr Grant

I am writing to you in your capacity as Chair of the Romborough Road Allotments Association. You may have read in the press, if not otherwise have been aware, of the Council's proposals to site the new secondary school on the present Ladywell Leisure centre site. This has been the result of long and at times difficult negotiations to find an appropriate site. A new school in the centre of Lewisham is essential if the Council is to provide adequate places for the young people of the Borough. Nevertheless, I realise your members may be concerned about the effects of this on the allotments. I, therefore, raised the issue of the relationship with the allotments at my regular meeting with the Mayor last week. I was keen that you could be assured that the plan would not detrimentally affect your members. I am delighted to tell you that the plan will in no way affect the future of the allotments and that, if anything, will be completed in a site smaller than the present area of the Leisure Centre. I hope you can reassure your members on this issue, as I fear there are those who, in their opposition to the new school, may try to raise worries which are unjustified. Please contact me if there is anything further on this or any other issue. Your sincerely Bridgit Prentice MP