RESIDENTS may have seen that former Derwentside District Council leader Alex Watson has written to the Schools Minister calling for a public inquiry into the proposed academy school in Consett (Echo, Dec 29).

The academy’s Expression of Interest to the same Minister was approved unconditionally in late December. This means that the proposals can be moved on to what is described as the “feasibility stage”.

The Project Steering Group for the academy, headed by the main sponsor –Durham Excellence in Education Partnership (Deep) – will start to develop the detailed design of the facilities and specialisms for the new school.

I am delighted that the staff and governors at both our schools involved in this development are fully involved in this process and excited by the prospects for both students and the community.

At the risk of being boring, I have to repeat the fact that this is a fantastic opportunity for Consett that will bring long-term benefits to the whole community.

We’ve got a great future in this area and I believe that the majority of residents will agree with me.

Councillor Clive Robson, Consett North, Durham County Council