MP ANDREW Gwynne has seen first-hand a Denton primary school’s commitment to go as green as possible.
Manor Green Academy in Haughton Green may have had a huge expansion to an industrial park hanging over it had planning permission been granted.
But it was refused after the local politician campaigned vigorously against it – now he has seen just how committed pupils and staff are to the environment.
Manor Green’s Eco Squad is committed to keeping the school grounds in excellent condition, with every one of the 402 children attending Manor Green planting a sapling.
He also saw the results of a bid for funding to convert a yellow school bus into a sensory hub for the school’s stakeholders and local groups.
Mr Gwynne met with Manor Green’s new Principal, Victoria Saville, and members of the Focus Trust Central Team, who informed him a total of £700,000 had been invested on improving the class environment since 2017.
And work is set to commence on its new Early Years outdoor area, funded through the Trust’s School Condition Allocation.
As well as being showed the benefits brought to the school, on Mancunian Road, the MP heard pupil’s concerns about in the local area and the speed of traffic.
Manor Green’s School Council handed him a letter requesting his support for improved signage and ways to encourage passing traffic to abide by the limit outside school.
A discussion also centred around the lasting legacy and positive environmental impact the sapling planting will have in the future.
Mr Gwynne said: “I was quizzed by the school council on litter, recycling, clean air, tree planting and much more. It was fantastic to see pupils so engaged on such important issues.
“The School Council has also written a letter to me on a range of issues, including the problem of speeding cars outside the school.
“I’ll be taking this up with Tameside Council and Greater Manchester Police.
“All in all, it was a really productive and fun morning, and it was great to meet the staff and pupils at Manor Green Academy.”
Victoria Saville, Principal at Manor Green Academy, said: “A huge ambition of mine as the new principal at Manor Green is for the school to be known as a great one.
“I look forward to a close working partnership with Mr Gwynne and I thank him for visiting our school.”