Founder and education chiefs say site met safety standards

THE M.E.N. asked Michael Dwan why, after less than three years, the building has defects, why the issues had not been identified at the time, whether children had been safe there while it was open and whether the construction process or his firm’s maintenance was to blame.

He stressed all legal sign-offs had been received before the building opened. “We can confirm that the building met all required standards both at completion and thereafter as required by the statutory authorities in order for the building to be occupied,” said a statement from Bluesky Support Services.

The M.E.N. also asked the Department for Education a series of questions, including whether it has any concerns about the safety of pupils and whether it would be launching an investigation.

A spokesman said: “Both Greater Manchester UTC and Oasis Community Learning Trust had the required certificates to allow the buildings to be occupied.”

But MP Jim McMahon said a lack of government accountability for the school – which was independent of the local council while operational – meant only its closure had brought the defects to light.

Amanda Chadderton, Oldham council’s lead member for education, said: “Millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money has been wasted on what can only be described as vanity projects such as the UTC and it is Oldham council that has to deal with the fallout from this. “