Last push to secure Ingleton Middle School for community (From Craven Herald)

Last push to secure Ingleton Middle School for community

8:00am Friday 12th October 2012 in News

Groups interested in making use of the former Ingleton Middle School are being urged to come forward before it is too late.

Community group, Ingleton Middle CIC - formerly IHOPE - has put together a business case with the aim of using the site of the former school, which closed in the summer, for the good of the whole community.

And although many have already come forward with expressions of interest, more are needed to firm up the group’s case with owners, North Yorkshire County Council.

Group members are due to have a meeting with council officers next Thursday, October 18, when they hope to present a robust plan with extensive community support.

Rosemary Hartley, Ingleton Middle CIC chairman, said they were looking for anyone interested in making use of the former school or its grounds.

She said they were very close to securing the site for the community, but just needed a last push.

And that meant anyone interested in using any part of the site should come forward now, she added.

“The intention is to provide services that promote wellness, education or employment.

“Small business start-ups will find the spaces available extremely attractive as would health organisations, charity groups and youth services,” she said.

The group’s vision for the former school - which it has called the i centre - is to create a place where services are provided for the wider public or to provide employment opportunities.

It believes the school site, in the centre of the village and just off the A65, is ideal because of its easy access and could become a hub for surrounding villages.

“We would welcome any ideas which would enhance our business case and are especially looking for users of the gym, open grounds and hard playing field areas from individuals or groups such as running clubs, netball teams, rounders teams, and so on,” said Mrs Hartley.

“It would be very helpful to the group to have such interest for the re-use of the middle school into the i centre.”

Anyone interested in using the site should contact Rosemary Hartley by email at rosemaryhartley@ btinternet.com