School axe threat fury

Written by Mandy Atkinson and published in Derbyshire Times on Thu 19th Oct 2006

Stoney Middleton Church of England Primary school pupils Callum Townsend,6, Charlotte Bonsall,9, and Felicity Finlayson,6, make their feelings known about the proposed closure of their school

Education chiefs threatening to axe a village school have a 'battle to the end' on their hands according to furious parents who have launched a high-profile campaign to save the site.

Stoney Middleton CE Primary School could be closed next July under controversial cost-cutting plans announced by Derbyshire County Council.

But the news has met with fierce opposition from across the village — sparking parents, teachers, youngsters and residents to join forces to fight the authority's proposal.

Mum-of-two Dulcie Jones, chairman of the school's Friends, Parents and Teachers Association, said: "We are outraged and the council need to know they have a battle to the end on their hands.

"This is a small school, but it is very much loved by the children who receive a fantastic education there. It's also a centre point for our community and we refuse to back down."

Authority bosses have defended the move, saying the school is half-empty and therefore costing £5,678 to educate each of its 21 pupils — more than double the average cost.

They propose the youngsters be moved to nearby schools in Curbar or Eyam, but concerned parents say this would mean their kids would face a two-mile walk along the busy A623 road each day.

Mrs Jones, whose daughter Rosie (5) is a pupil, added: "We are worried about this on so many levels, including the safety aspect, the loss of community facilities and also the disruption and upset which the kids are being put through."

Protesters were due to hold a public meeting last night to launch the Save Our School SOS campaign and rally support ahead of a public consultation over the plans.

If no agreement can be reached, an independent party will be brought in to make a final-ruling.

Cllr Alan Charles, education chief, said: "The consultation will look at all possible options for the future of the school.

"We want to hear people's views before taking any decisions or starting any formal procedures to consider closing the site."

• The council will be holding a public meeting at the school on High Street, on November 2, from 6.30pm.

19 October 2006

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Mandy Atkinson.

Derbyshire Times.