Poor turnout for school pupils presentation

Critics of plans to create an "all-through" school near Oswestry failed to turn up to an open evening put on by pupils at the village secondary school.

Teenagers at Rhyn Park School and Performing Arts College in St Martins were so upset by some of the accusations levelled at them they organised a presentation to put their points across.

But last night's event attracted just two prospective parents and two future pupils.

Shropshire Council has put forward proposals to close Ifton Heath Primary School in St Martins and open a school for three to 16 year olds on the Rhyn Park site.

This month it put the idea on hold to allow for more consultation.

Year 10 pupils who had invited parents and pupils not only from Ifton Heath but schools in Weston Rhyn and Gobowen to the meeting said they were really disappointed with the poor turnout. Geena Jones, 15, said the critics had embarrassed themselves by not going along.

"We have been hurt by some of the things that have been said about our school and about us and wanted a chance to talk to people who are against the idea," she said.

"If I hadn't have come to Rhyn Park I know I wouldn't be doing so well."

One critic of the plans, Brian Healey did attend and chatted to some of the students.

"I am disappointed that not more people came along," he said. "The students have done very well."

Parent Vicky Nicholas and her 10-year-old twin sons, Luke and Jack, praised the teenagers for organising the event.

Luke and Jack said they were looking forward to joining the secondary school.

Shropshire Councillor Steve Davenport said he had been impressed with the presentation and said he too was disappointed more people had not attended.