'Admit school closure mistakes', Shirehall bosses told
FURIOUS CAMPAIGNERS at an under-threat Shropshire school today called on education bosses to admit mistakes had been made in their plans to close it. FURIOUS CAMPAIGNERS at an under-threat Shropshire school today called on education bosses to admit mistakes had been made in their plans to close it. Faye Moore, from the steering group at Stiperstones CE School, near Shrewsbury, has written to Shirehall official David Taylor outlining a list of mistakes she claims are contained within a consultation document. She today demanded that alterations were made before the official consultation over Shropshire Council's plans to close nine county schools ends tomorrow. It comes as campaigners at the Wakeman School in Shrewsbury, the only secondary school on the council's hitlist, were today due to march on the Shirehall to deliver petitions opposing the proposed closure. Teachers, parents and pupils were to march along Abbey Foregate.
FURIOUS CAMPAIGNERS at an under-threat Shropshire school today called on education bosses to admit mistakes had been made in their plans to close it.
Faye Moore, from the steering group at Stiperstones CE School, near Shrewsbury, has written to Shirehall official David Taylor outlining a list of mistakes she claims are contained within a consultation document.
She today demanded that alterations were made before the official consultation over Shropshire Council's plans to close nine county schools ends tomorrow.
It comes as campaigners at the Wakeman School in Shrewsbury, the only secondary school on the council's hitlist, were today due to march on the Shirehall to deliver petitions opposing the proposed closure.
Teachers, parents and pupils were to march along Abbey Foregate.
In Mrs Moore's letter to the director of children and young people's services, she points out errors including a statement which says the school has 30 unfilled places, when in fact it has 27.
She also criticises references to an expiry on a lease at a school playing field, which she says has been agreed with the landowner.
Mrs Moore said: "I hope this clears up any discrepancies for you and that you proceed in making these alterations as a matter of urgency as for the consultation document to be used in its current state when there are so many mistakes would be unfair and unjust."
Karen Bradshaw, head of learning and skills at Shropshire Council, said: "We have received the letter and will respond directly to Mrs Moore."
Staff and governors at closure threatened Maesbury Primary, near Oswestry, have met with Owen Paterson MP and on Wednesday had a visit from Shropshire Council Cabinet members and officers.
Governors at St Mary's Primary School in Shawbury which is earmarked for a merger with Shawbury Primary are also calling on education bosses to rethink their plans.
Teachers at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College will stage a protest tomorrow over funding cuts and proposed job losses.
By Russell Roberts
