Campaign to save Old Bonner School.

11.49.53pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 8th Sep 2006

Old Bonner School

Local residents today fought a tough battle in the Royal Courts of Justice to save old Bonner School. With support from a number of local people present at the High Court, Counsel argued that the demolition of the School should be delayed until after the full council meeting on September 13.

This delay would enable the petition containing over 600 signatures protesting against the demolition of the landmark building to be presented to councillors. Unfortunately, the High Court ruled "in sorrow" that the injunction preventing demolition should be lifted.

This is not the end of the story however! Local residents and their legal advisers are considering lodging an appeal against today's decision at the Court of Appeal. Liberal Democrat Leader, Stephanie Eaton, who was present at the High Court hearing, commented: "Local people had good reason to expect the demolition of the school would be delayed until after the petition could be presented to Full Council on Wednesday. It is nonsense to suggest that a petition can be accepted onto the agenda for full council if the building is demolished in the meantime".

As the petition shows, there is considerable support for the preservation of this historic building among local people and Libdems will continue to campaign for it to be saved. Tower Hamlets is proud of its history and the Liberal Democrats, in partnership with residents and colleagues from other political parties, intend to continue the campaign to preserve Bonner School and other remaining heritage buildings for the future.