MP IVAN Lewis has slammed plans to move Millwood Special School to Radcliffe, describing them as a “sham”.

Bury Council plans to build a new school for Millwood on Radcliffe Riverside High School’s Abden Street site.

The proposal was approved by the council’s executive last week, with unanimous support from all members.

But Mr Lewis, Labour MP for Bury South, has raised concerns. He said: “I think this is a complete sham. They are moving schools around like pawns on a chess board without any regard for the best interests of the pupils, and little or no consultation with the parents or staff. Has anyone within the school or the community of Radcliffe been asked about this?

“They are just shuffling children around the borough and using Radcliffe to solve challenges that exist in the rest of the borough.”

He insisted that he was not opposed to Millwood getting a new building and added: “Millwood has every right to a new school. There is nothing more important than giving disabled children the best start in life and the opportunity to fulfil their potential. But simply pulling rabbits out of hats like this is not acceptable.”

Cllr Bob Bibby, Conservative leader of the council, said extensive consultation had been carried out with stakeholders, including staff, parents and pupils and more consultation would be carried out. He added: “This shows just how much Ivan Lewis is out of touch with his party, the chairman of governors at Radcliffe Riverside High School and the head of Millwood, who all welcome the proposal.”