Bonner School safe for now.

5.05.01pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 15th Sep 2006

Location of Old Bonner School

Supporters of the Campaign to Save Old Bonner School are celebrating the decision of full Council to refer the future of the building to the Council's Development Committee for debate.

In a highly charged full Council meeting, standing orders were suspended to enable a motion proposed by Conservative Peter Golds and seconded by Liberal Democrat Leader, Stephanie Eaton that the future of the School should be considered in a democratic forum and that demolition should be stopped in the meantime.

Opposition members called for a recorded vote and as each Labour party member's name was called there was edge of the seat tension to see whether they would support the motion. Although none voted in favour, three abstained and this was enough to allow the motion to be carried.

The future of the building now rests with the quasi-judicial, cross-party Development Committee. Members of this Committee must arrive at their decision on planning merit and not under the influence of the party whips. The next Development Committee meeting is Scheduled for September 27 (although the Council has the option to call for an extraordinary meeting).

The fight to save Old Bonner School is not over yet.