Parents upset as new school site is chosen

Parents today said they had been left 'deflated' by the announcement that their school would be closed to make way for a larger one on a different site as part of budget cuts.

Shawbury Primary School has been chosen as the preferred site for an extension to St Mary's Primary School, which is currently located in a separate building close to RAF Shawbury.

Shropshire Council announced money-saving plans to axe of one of the village's two primary schools earlier this year, prompting an angry response.

Parents from the current St Mary's School site today say they felt the wrong decision had been made.

Sharon Ricci, mother of two children who attend St Mary's Primary School, said: "I think the decision was made a long time ago.

"I don't think we can do anything to change their minds.

"The decision did come as a surprise. I think the St Mary's site would have been the better option.

"I felt deflated when I heard the news. It's such a shame and we are going to have to accept it."

A joint strategic committee was recently formed consisting of governors from both schools and council officials to make the decision over the site.

Jo Humphreys and Norman Aldhous, from the joint strategic committee, said the decision had been a difficult one.

The changes, which will save the council about £85,000 a year, will take effect from September 2012. Initially the new school will operate across both sites.

See also:

• Hammer blow of Shropshire schools cuts

• Last-minute plea over Shawbury schools plan

• ‘Admit school closure mistakes’, Shirehall bosses told