SADDLEWORTH’S hottest topic - the siting of the new £19.2 million secondary school - comes up again for public scrutiny and decisions this month.

Here, KEN BENNETT who has reported the twists and turns in the saga for nearly ten years, visits the front line.

A GENTLE rain shrouds the long and winding road leading to Diggle holding the landscape in a cushion of silence...

There are two pubs, a post office, an ice cream parlour and a tiny church tucked into a green fold of land running beside a canal and railway.

But outside the famous Diggle Chippy I throw the vinegar-laden question to a gaggle of locals: Should the new school be built in Uppermill or come to the village?

There is silence, several deep sights and hard looks at the darkening skies. Then, before shuffling off, a collective mumble: “Just get it built.”

The whole of Saddleworth is yearning for an end to this long-running conundrum which has led to divisions, uncertainty, frustration and rancour in communities: It is one certain local topic that provokes argument.

And the actual proposal to relocate the existing school in Uppermill to a new purpose-built site in Diggle has been subject of well honed, bitter, angry protests by residents, with the original plans rejected by a High Court Judge in 2016.

But passions are expected to reignite at two meetings which the public can attend: Saddleworth parish council in Uppermill and Oldham council’s planning committee’s "extraordinary" meeting.

Then, a new full application, submitted on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education, will be come under forensic scrutiny by the councillors.

Here, on the ground, Alice Rea, chair of Saddleworth School governors, underpins their feelings in a blunt but impassioned plea: “No more delays!

“The strength and stability of Saddleworth School lies in the continued support it receives from everyone involved.

“Our school was scheduled for replacement more than 10 years ago with a modern building with top class facilities.

“We have worked hard and planned, had our hopes and dreams dashed, and worked and planned again.

“It takes no longer than a five-minute stroll around the school to see the replacement build needs to start now.

“The spirit of the children, the parents and that of the entire staff is commendable; but the fact teaching has to happen in a building like this is not just disheartening, it is reprehensible.”

And she added: “As chair of governors, I thank everyone for the fantastic support the school has already received for this planning application.

“The state of the current school building puts serious pressure on teachers and support staff and makes it harder for our children to get the most out of their education.

“It is time for Saddleworth School to get the top class education facilities for Saddleworth’s children, now and for future generations.

“The new school building and on-site outdoor facilities will enable an outstanding Saddleworth education, and we look forward with hope and expectation.”

The campaign group, Diggle For Saddleworth School (D4SS), says a large majority of Saddleworth residents are fully supportive of the move to Diggle shown by comments logged on the planning application website.

“ It showed a majority of 669 comments for the application versus 108 against,” said their spokesperson.”This was the test of public opinion during the statutory public consultation period and opposition was dwarfed by the level of support expressed.

“There still seems to be a very small minority who are against the move and they are yet again determined to blind the community with incorrect facts and figures that show nothing of the current mood.

“Let’s support this planning application for the teenagers present and future of Saddleworth. It’s time to stop all the arguing and to stand together as one to accept that this is the only way forward.”

Keith Lucas, a local parish councillor, is spokesperson for The Save Diggle Action Group,( SDAG) who took Oldham council to court and won.

He said : “OMBC and its councillors will push it through without any consideration of public disquiet and opposition.

“Public comments as recorded and going forward in the planning application stand at: 2429 - against the school move with 1483 for the move. “All independent opinion polls have had a clear majority for the school to stay in Uppermill.

“A recent questionnaire organised by Saddleworth Youth Council - to be submitted as an official response to Saddleworth’s future Neighbourhood Plan - stated the majority of young people, including pupils, wanted the new school to stay in Uppermill because better transport links are available for access and social connectivity.

“These points sum up the appalling mess I think Saddleworth and Diggle will find themselves in if (as expected) OMBC councillors pass the school planning application.”

Meantime, back at the chippy, owners Stephen and Rachel Wood typify the dilemma of many Saddleworth parents.

They have two sons, one who has just left Saddleworth School for higher education, the other leaves in a few years.

But will the school be built in time fir him to step over Its doorstep whatever the location?