I READ your article "Could Tiverton High School be rebuilt somewhere else?" with interest, but I'm concerned it may give readers the impression that relocating the school is a new idea.

Outline planning permission for Tiverton High School to move to an alternative site was secured in 2017! This is not a new development.

It is true that there has been persistent work by local councillors, Devon County Council and the school community to get the school rebuilt for many years.

I have been actively working with both officers at Devon County Council and the Department for Education to push this project forward.

The flooding risk on the current site has long been recognised as a critical issue – one that makes relocation preferable. The news here is that the DfE is actually considering whether a safe rebuild on the current site is feasible.

It beggars belief that a Conservative farmer is quoted, saying that "after 25 years of “broken promises”, parents, pupils and staff “deserve the truth”".

This would be the same Conservative party that ignored the high school for 15 years despite the Environment Agency reporting the site poses a risk to life.

There is no news for the public while the pre-assessment is underway, and it would be irresponsible to grandstand suggestions that there was.

While I welcome the Minister's confirmation in Parliament and the renewed regional attention on this project, I want to reassure residents that significant groundwork has already been done locally. The question is when construction will finally begin.

I will continue to press for urgent progress and keep residents informed when appropriate.

Steve Lodge

County Councillor for Tiverton West