Conservative-run Derbyshire County Council has announced it has taken the first steps towards expanding Glossopdale School.

Last week, the Council approved funds of £65,000 to begin work on designing the extension to the school. And today (14th October), the authority has begun an informal consultation to assess the level of support within the community for expansion at Glossopdale.

The announcement comes after significant lobbying efforts from local campaigner and Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Robert Largan, together with local County Councillors George and Jean Wharmby.

Robert Largan, Conservative Candidate for High Peak, recently met on site with the Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Cllr Alex Dale and put forward the strong case for expanding the school to reduce the uncertainty for local children and their families facing the prospect of not securing a place at their local school.

Commenting, Robert Largan said:

“I am really pleased that the Council has listened to local parents and is going ahead with expansion. This is the result of many months of hard work from a huge range of local people and I am proud to have helped play a small part in this victory for children and parents.

“However, I am still concerned about children due to start at secondary school before the expansion will be  completed and will be urging the Council to do all it can to make sure all children are offered places at good local schools.”

Councillor Alex Dale added:

"Robert, George and Jean have really stood up for their community and worked constructively with the Council to find a solution. I am really pleased that we can now take the first steps towards expansion, helping to clear up the mess that the old Labour County Council left behind.”