Springwell Alternative Academy Spalding set questions to answer over potential traffic congestion near former Post-16 Centre

Leaders of a new school due to open in Spalding next year are still facing questions over the potential of traffic congestion.

Despite hosting two open evenings before the school summer holidays, senior staff and management of Springwell Alternative Academy Spalding have been accused of not doing enough to keep people informed.

A resident of Mulberry Way, Spalding, who asked not to be named, complained of a" total lack of ownership" by Springwell leaders, district and county councillors to ease feared traffic problems around Matmore Gate where the school for children outside of mainstream education is to be located.

The former South Holland Post-16 Centre will become the school for up to 63 children aged between four and 16 who, during the public meeting in Spalding two weeks ago, Springwell executive principal Phil Willott said had suffered from "severe trauma and extreme neglect".

But in a statement to Spalding Today, the resident said: "I expected the meeting to provide feedback on how traffic concerns previously raised by residents were being addressed.

"However, it became clear during the meeting that the Springwell team had very little awareness or knowledge of the area, especially that surrounding the Post-16 Centre and its approaches.

"In his presentation, Mr Willott was heavily orientated to the educational philosophy of the school and its methods of working.

"As interesting as that is, it soon became apparent that traffic congestion would not feature in Mr Willott's presentation and when I asked a few questions regarding both current and potential traffic congestion, it was abundantly clear that there was a complete absence of joined-up working.

"This is because Lincolnshire County Council is working in the area now, with diversions along Stonegate and Clay Lake, which will overlap with construction work and alterations at the new school this month."

The resident did single out leaders at Spalding High School for praise, having "responded promptly to residents’ concerns and put in place some plans to alleviate parking problems".

During the meeting, Mr Willott said: "The majority of our pupils will be brought in by taxis, so we can be flexible with our times of the day.

"But we can't solve the problem of traffic congestion so we will try and work with the local authority, in terms of transport, to find a positive outcome not add to the issue.

"The Spalding site does have adequate parking, but we're still working with the Department for Education to tweak our plans."

Springwell Alternative Academy Spalding to host information evening

Academy leaders hold information evening for the public