Matthew has recently met residents of Broadfields estate, Edgware, and attended a public meeting about the proposal to establish another school in the Broadfields area.
Avanti House School which is currently located in Harrow, is seeking permission to relocate and open new premises for a total of 1,680 pupils next to Broadfields Primary School.
Matthew said: "The proposal is being made under the Government’s Free School initiative. While I am a strong proponent of Free Schools, I believe that the proposed location in Broadfields is not appropriate for another school.
There are already three schools in the area – Broadfields Primary, Holland House and Rosh Pinah Primary. I share residents’ serious concerns that the addition of a new primary and secondary school would cause an unacceptable level of traffic congestion and have a strongly detrimental effect on the local environment and quality of lives of those who live nearby.
I have raised the matter directly with the Secretary of State, Michael Gove, MP, and have written formally to Barnet Council to establish whether they have yet sold or leased the land to the Trustees of Avanti House School. I have also met with senior representatives of Barnet Council and the Headteacher at Broadfields School."
Matthew continued: "Avanti House School needs to relocate and I am supportive that a home is found for them and their pupils. However, I do not believe that the site adjacent to Broadfields School on Hartland Drive is the correct location and I will continue to oppose the proposal with both the Department for Education and Barnet Council."
Photo: Matthew is pictured meeting residents of Hartland Drive