Tories Scupper Pre-school in Pop Concert Bid

2.34.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 22nd Jul 2009

Cllr Mike Cox: "The Tories are sacrificing young children's education and residents' peace and quiet"

A bid to replace a closing Montessori preschool at Manor Farm, Ruislip was scuppered when a Tory Cabinet Member refused a licence for a new school.

The bid to keep a pre-school facility in the The Stables building at Manor Farm was proposed by the previous school's deputy principal and backed by staff, parents, over 800 petitioners as well as Ruislip Residents' Association.

The Conservative controlled council is reported to want to use the Stables to provide kitchen facilities for functions at the Great Barn and has applied to itself for permission for a alcohol and music licence at the Great Barn. Residents are concerned that more functions at the barn will cause an increase in late night noise and additional parking problems.

The application is for use from 9am to midnight and includes, "Various genres of music from brass bands to rock bands. Both unamplified and amplified. Full PA systems to be used on premises". The application also seeks permission to open until 2am on New Year's Eve.

Cllr Mike Cox said, "The Tories are sacrificing young children's education and residents' peace and quiet to get into the pop promotion business".

For Licence application details see: http://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/media/pdf/k/9/great_barn.pdf