Labour backs Lib Dems Again

The future of 5 rural schools in Somerset is still under threat. Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors voted against a Conservative resolution to stop the process which could lead to closure.

On the 5th March 2008 the Liberal Democrats voted to commence formal consultations upon the future of Binegar, Blagdon Hill, Hemington, Kingsdon and Winsham Primary Schools.

John Osman, Conservative Spokesmen for Education, instigated the County Council appeals process which sought to ask the Lib Dems to reconsider their decision. “The process the Lib Dems used was absolutely flawed. Schools are being judged by a policy which is not even in force until 1st April 2008. The schools in question have been working towards one goal and in many cases have achieved that goal, only to have the posts moved at the last moment.”

“Head teachers and chairs of governors are furious with the decision because it has plunged their schools into 4 months of uncertainty. Parents of children who attend these schools may well choose to remove them as there is no guarantee the school will be operating in a year’s time. In addition, this will not encourage parents of new pupils to enrol at these schools which all have good Ofsted ratings.”

Cllr Harvey Siggs who represents Binegar, said: “We will continue to campaign for the future of these schools; they are an important asset to the rural community. “

Cllr John Osman added: “ The proposed consultation will not lead to a definitive conclusion. To reach a conclusion the LibDems will waste thousands of pounds of taxpayers money by instigating a second consultation. This shows the ineptitude of the Administration which I hope the voters of Somerset will remember when their council tax bills arrive.”