The relocation of Breakspeare School from Abbots Langley to a new site in Croxley has been delayed following a ground condition survey, which revealed further work had to be done.
On Monday, June 9, Gagan Mohindra, MP for South West Hertfordshire, visited the school with a group of Conservative county and district councillors to express concerns that Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) is allegedly not committed to the expansion.
Breakspeare School caters for children with severe or profound learning difficulties.
The visiting councillors, including Abbots Langley district councillor Vicky Edwards, highlighted worries that maintaining the current site was costing the school “significant sums”.
Mr Mohindra MP said any further delay in the relocation would be “a disservice to pupils, staff, and families”.
Speaking to Abbots News, councillor Mark Watkin, HCC’s executive member for education, SEND and inclusion, said: “I am committed to expanding provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. This commitment is non-negotiable.”
He explained that adverse conditions at the Croxley site will require HCC to carry out further work, including a possible redesign of the foundation sub-structure.
Cllr Watkin added: “As council finances remain under strain, it is crucial that when large infrastructure projects of this nature are taken forward that councillors are aware of any issues before we break ground.”
HCC expects a report, including any potential redesign and costs, to be brought forward in early 2026 for their approval. The council highlighted that if the move went ahead now, any changes needed ‘mid-build’ would result in cost overruns and delays.
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