Bishop unveils keystone to new future

Mar 18 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

Bishop unveils keystone to new future

THE Bishop of Liverpool marked an important milestone in the history of a Warrington school yesterday.

Bishop James Jones unveiled a keystone at the new site of St Elphins Church of England School.

The new building will replace the existing school on Farrell Street at a cost of £5.4m.

There are also plans to convert the existing school building into a neighbourhood centre.

The current owners, the Warrington Church of England Education Trust, have agreed to lease the site to a community association to provide educational programmes.

Bishop James, said: “Schools like St Elphin are a testimony to the successful partnership between the Diocese of Liverpool, the local education authority and the local community.

“The new building will enable the school to develop and grow and offer even better education facilities for existing and future pupils.

The Rev Canon Mike Finlay, rector of Warrington Parish Church, the mayor of Warrington and the teachers and pupils attended the unveiling.

Rev Mike Finlay, said: “We have been planning this school for a long time and are delighted that the vision is coming closer to reality. We are also delighted that we will continue to be able to use the old St Elphin’s school building to benefit the local community”

Plans for the new school were given a boost with the government offering £3.7m in 2005 as part of its plans to rebuild or replace crumbling schools across the country.