A FOREST by-election has changed the date for a key meeting on the future of the Five Acres Campus site.

The strategic overview and scrutiny committee planned to decide the recommendations it will make for the Five Acres site on January 31, following an inquiry.

Now the Berry Hill by-election will be taking place on Thursday February 7 which means the scrutiny committee meeting would have fallen in purdah – the time running up to an election when care has to be taken by the council not to be seen to be supporting any of the views of candidates involved in an election.

The meeting will now take place on Monday February 18 at 6pm in the Lakers School hall.

Members will be agreeing on their recommendations following their inquiry into the Five Acres site.

As part of the recent inquiry an evidence gathering day was held in October at Lakers School. During the day FANS (Five Acres Not for Sale) representatives put forward their findings from a recent consultation event they held and other local groups, including schools, also spoke.

Cllr Philip Burford, chairman of the strategic overview and scrutiny committee, said: "We know this is an important issue for the community and wanted to have a thorough look at what the future may hold for the Five Acres site.

"We are really grateful to all the local people and groups who fed into this inquiry and let us know what they think. It's regrettable we have had to put the date back but our hands are tied. By putting the date back until after the by-election we will be able to have a good and in-depth discussion on the recommendations."