Making a difference to the people of Medway

Labour group would threaten every school with closure as their attempt to derail consultation with primary schools fails

Press release posted on Friday, 19 June 2009

Residents will be allowed to continue to express their views on proposed changes to Medway’s primary schools, despite the Labour group’s attempt to stifle discussions.

The Labour group attempted to derail a consultation on primary school changes at a meeting of Medway Council (18th June) with a motion demanding that the council stops consulting parents, pupils and teachers. This was defeated by Conservative councillors.

The Conservative group believes that it is right and proper for meaningful consultation to continue so that every resident has the opportunity to put forward their views on proposals to re-organise Medway’s primary provision.

Labour have failed to suggest any alternative options to deal with surplus places in Medway, despite having the opportunity to do so as part of the consultation. Their only suggestion is to tear up current proposals and start again, despite their own Labour government agreeing to the plans.

Following the Labour group’s absurd plans would result in every school facing the threat of closure and children would face months of trauma as the process is started again.

Such a plan would also threaten £30 million of much needed investment in Medway’s schools including a £4.8 million scheme in Walderslade to replace temporary buildings dating back to 1908 and £6.5 million for a new school at Barnsole.

Deputy Leader Cllr Alan Jarrett said:

“Medway’s Labour group have failed to suggest any alternatives to address surplus places in Medway; something that the government has told us that we have to deal with. Their only suggestion is to start again which would threaten every school with closure and create uncertainty for our children for months on end.”

ENDS