Wolverton rallies round to restore old school house building

The Old School House in Old Wolverton was built the 1850s by The Radcliffe Trust for the children of tenants and farm labourers.

Holy Trinity Church in Old Wolverton leased the building but it was closed ten years ago after concerns over safety.

Now community co-operative group Future Wolverton is campaigning to get the Old School House firmly back into community use.

The group is concerned that Old Wolverton lacks a public meeting place, despite 640 homes being built in the area over the past five years.

Members are working on plans to improve the building and plan to share their proposals with residents later this year.

But first they need to tackle the overgrown garden to make the school house accessible.

Simon Bennett from Future Wolverton said: “The garden clear-up will be a visible sign of our intentions to bring the building back into community use, and will mean that people can easily get to the front door when we hold our community event later in the Autumn”

This month Amey plc – which is developing the nearby Milton Keynes Waste Recovery Park with Milton Keynes Council - volunteered to get involved.

Spokesman Peter Waller said: “As part of our social value commitment to the local community, Amey’s gives all of our employees a day off each year to spend a day in the community .

“Our Milton Keynes team is delighted to be using their day to support the Old School project because it is on our doorstep and is potentially a fantastic resource for the community of Old Wolverton.”

Wolverton-based landscaping company Bridgman & Bridgman is also loaning three expert staff to help.

Staff from both companies will join members of the Future Wolverton Board and other local volunteers to clear the garden next Tuesday.