Medway Labour and Cooperative Group today criticised continuing delays to the planned Maritime Academy, due to be built in Frindsbury.  The already much delayed free school project has still not seen building start on the site, with the likely opening date possibly pushed back further to September 2024.  Students who joined the academy in September this year are being transported to a site in Twydall for their lessons.  Medway Labour Group have previously held Medway’s Conservative administration to account for the delays, caused by their unnecessary ‘hybrid’ planning application, as well as poor project management by the Department for Education.

Cllr Stephen Hubbard, Medway Labour and Cooperative Group Member for Strood North, said today:

‘Many residents believe that the new Maritime Academy should have been located on Strood Riverside, a town centre site with great access for those walking, cycling, or using public transport. The school’s site on Frindsbury Hill will just add to the local levels of traffic congestion and pollution. 

‘There is no sign of any building work on the Academy’s Frindsbury site.  This is simply not good enough. The government is continuing its poor record on delivery of new schools in Medway.  The other current example is the delayed Rochester primary school.’

Cllr Clive Johnson, Medway Labour and Cooperative Group Shadow Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, added:

‘Local residents are frustrated, new and future students of the academy are not getting the newly built school they were promised, and Medway Council will be picking up the bill for the second year of transportation costs.  

‘This is simply not good enough and Medway’s Conservative leadership and the local MP seem to be sitting on their hands. 

‘Medway Council officers will be trying to make the best of the poor situation that they have been left with, but we should be seeing much more from the political leadership of the council. 

‘Starting secondary school is a major transition for young people and they deserve much better.’

For further information:      Clive Johnson 07802872592 clive.johnson@medway.gov.uk

Cllr Stephen Hubbard stephen.hubbard@medway.gov.uk