I recently visited Great Bedwyn Primary School and met with the Principal, Michelle Perrett, and a group of concerned Governers to discuss the future of the school. The immediate issue is that the building itself has chronic problems with heating in the winter - to the point that in very cold weather the school has to close. Also present at the meeting were energy industry experts from the local community who provided helpful advice on options for improvement. It will all cost money, however, and I am supporting the school to identify possible sources of funding from Government and the council.
We also discussed the wider neighbourhood of Great Bedwyn and the need for additional, genuinely affordable housing in the village to enable more young families to live here - as well as teachers for the school, almost none of whom can afford to live in the village. Sensitive, sustainable, sympathetic growth in the housing stock is necessary here, and I am involved in discussions with planners and the parish to see how this might happen.
Speaking of infrastructure, I should also mention that the Great Bedwyn pupils are building a rain garden at the school in order to help reduce the flooding locally. We have all experienced the recent flooding here in Wiltshire and it was inspiring to see the children doing what they can to help their community.
