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Suitable primary places
• CONCERNING Courthope Education (A short-term fix for primary places but future still uncertain, September 17), your article omits some important information.
The cost of refurbishment was, following my Freedom of Information Act request, revealed as £166,714.
I understand that the cost of the sub-lease (a private school (Hampstead Hill School) holds the head lease from All Hallows Church) is £55,000 per year.
It is not clear whether the cost of the sub-lease to Camden Council is the same as that which the holders of the head lease pay to the church.
Access to the school for children and parents with disabilities is very limited and the play space minimal.
Thus the cost of this facility over two years will be some £275,000.
It is essential that all primary school children in Camden have a place in an appropriate school.
However, the issue is whether this is the most suitable venue.
About a kilometre away there is Weedington Road play centre which has just been refurbished (at a cost of £495,000) which has a magnificent playground and sports pitch. There is also ample space to have temporary classrooms.
The cost of this would have been a mere fraction of that for Courthope Road as well as a much better learning environment. It is not clear why this facility was not considered as an option for location or if it was why it was rejected. Perhaps local councillors could supply an explanation.
SEAN BIRCH
Elizabeth Mews, NW3
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