Phoenix Centre opens in North Road ward

1.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 3rd May 2008

Cllr Mike Barker outside the new Phoenix Centre

The renovation of the old Rise Carr School buildings in North Road ward was completed on time recently. It is now called The Phoenix Centre. It houses the PRU (Pupil Referral Unit) and EOTAS, which stands for "education other than at school".

The PRU pupils have generally been excluded from other Darlington schools and EOTAS looks after children who for health or any other reason cannot attend other schools.

Before the new centre opened, Lib Dem Councillors were promised there would be no trouble from pupils there.

Andrew Dunn, Assistant Director of Children's Services, has said that the Head of the Phoenix Centre, Maxine Hepple, will ensure that those promises are kept. She wants to hear from local residents if any problems are caused by her pupils. She can be contacted on 348600.

Local people have also been promised use of the building outside school hours for community activities.

North Road councillors Fred Lawton and Mike Barker are working with the head teacher and the North Road Community Partnership to make sure this happens.