£2 million pound proposal to store children in containers is a scandal say Libdems.

8.45.26pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 20th Aug 2007

Tower Hamlets Liberal Democrats today criticised the intention of the Council to demolish the 99 year old Mowlem nursery building and replace it with container developments costing nearly £2 million. Ward Councillor, Stephanie Eaton said: "To demolish a lovely Victorian building in order spend this amount of money on structures that will last only 25 years is an outrage."

The Council wants to demolish this lovely old building and replace it with shipping containers.

Parents of the children attending the award winning nursery have been contacting their local Councillors to complain about the proposals. Parents do not feel that the plans put forward by the Council will provide high quality accommodation. There are widespread concerns that the design, materials and layout have been chosen in order to meet the deadline of August 2008 rather than to ensure that the children of Bethnal Green North have the best possible facilities.

In response to questions asked by Cllr Stephanie Eaton, the Council revealed the costs of demolition of the old School building were "in the order of" £90,000 and would start in mid September. The costs for the "new units" are "estimated to be in the order of £1,710,000" and construction "will begin" in the New Year. In response Cllr Stephanie Eaton commented: "I asked for detailed costings and have been given these vague figures. There is no comparison costing of the refurbishment and integration of the much loved old building into a new setting which would meet the council's requirements. It shows the lack of interest in creating a sustainable environment for the future that the Council is even considering using expensive temporary buildings."

Tower Hamlets Liberal Democrats will be joining parents and Councillors and MPs from other parties to urge the Council to consider an environmentally sustainable, cost effective, child friendly alternative proposal. To support the campaign please phone Cllr Stephanie Eaton on 07941 303 976 or email Stephanie.Eaton@towerhamlets.gov.uk