Hope School Site

Dear All
This is the latest on the Hope School site – still no further forward today -I am sorry to say. This is what the Officer in Shirehall sent to me today;
“Frustratingly, we still have not received the final permission from the Secretary of State for the disposal of the land at Hope, despite chasers and apologetic DfE responses. Again, I am promised an answer shortly, but I’m not holding my breath. I’ve made strong representations about the timescale involved in these matters generally, as I fear opportunities could be missed if the system doesn’t change.
With regard to the kitchen units at Hope, I wanted to wait until we at least had the SoS permission to dispose and, thereby, the nod to progress the initial discussions on an appropriate disposal of the site, before I arranged any further dismantling of the contents. I have the contact numbers that you gave me and will be in touch with them as soon as we see the chink of light at the end of the tunnel. At this time, sadly due to DfE time-lagging, that glint of light I think I see from time to time always seems to turn out to be a speck of dust on the lens of my glasses.
However, if the last DfE apology two weeks ago has any sincerity in it, then I can hope to hear from them soon. As soon as I do, I will let you know and I hope I’m not wishing you a merry Christmas in the meantime.”
You can see how frustrated he is. Me too!