NEIGHBOURS have been left fuming after a school suddenly opened just metres away from their homes with no warning.
Those living in Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, said the “screams are horrendous” as kids take to the tarmac outside the building.
BPMAbbey Hill School has opened a satellite site for up to 45 children[/caption]
BPMNeighbours say they knew nothing about the school opening[/caption]
Outraged residents said were left blindsided when Abbey Hill School opened before the beginning of the new academic year in September.
The satellite site, in the former Norton Children’s Centre on St Nicholas Avenue, hosts 45 children with special needs.
But the move has triggered a wave fury from angry neighbours who have accused Stoke-On-Trent City Council of not consulting them.
Neighbour Christine Lowndes blasted: “This is appalling. We have asked the council how they notified us.
“All I get back is a letter saying ‘I’m sorry you don’t think the consultation was transparent’. There wasn’t any! I can’t find one resident in the area who knew anything about it.
“I have no objection to the children and I would still hold the same objections if they were children without special needs.
“The playground is one metre from my home and the noise is horrendous.”
Residents said the centre was initially planned to be a creche but they now have to deal with screaming teenagers.
If the noise wasn’t enough, Christine said play equipment, gravel and chalk is thrown towards her wall.
Fellow neighbour Adam Jefferies said the noise is so strong it is like living next to a football pitch.
He said: “The children are noisy and the playground has an echo effect.
“Another neighbour records the noise levels, it’s reaching over 100 decibels every day. It’s like being at a football match.
Residents have now issued an official complaint to Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Christine explained: “I have a right to be consulted when council officials are making decisions that are detrimental to my life. Instead they’re ignoring us. They’re hoping we’re going to get fed up and go away.”
But some feel to have been left down by the council – which is not addressing the issue.
Adam said: “Every time we speak to a council official nobody seems to care or be interested.
“We have put in an official complaint. The council should have let us know. I want to shine a light on how disgraceful the council has been. I’m disgusted how the system lets people down.”
Stoke-on-Trent City Council said the matter is being investigated.
A council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have received these complaints and are looking into the matter in line with our usual complaints procedure.”
Abbey Hill School has been approached for comment.
It comes as a couple won the support of their local council after a neighbour allegedly complained about the Crazy Frog mural on their wall.
John and Caroline Mackay received a letter through the door last month informing them of a case in relation to their property over the mural on their garden wall.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
