Resolve to save school is stronger, says campaigner

THE campaign to protect a Wideopen school from closure will continue, with the passion "stronger than before," following a council decision to push ahead with plans to merge the institution.

- AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE

Last week, North Tyneside Council announced the results of a six-week consultation on the future of education throughout the area. The plans included the closure of Hazlewood Primary and its merger with neighbouring Greenfields Primary.

At the conclusion of the consultation, while Monkseaton Middle and Langley Primary schools have been saved from immediate closure to explore "viable alternatives", the original proposals on Hazelwood are set to enter the second stage. The school has also been troubled by "weak and brittle" concrete, following a series of inspections across a number of schools in February 2024.

When asked if the decision has strengthened the resolve of activists, Hazlewood parent Laura Stokoe, 39, said: "Completely, the passion is probably stronger now than it has been before."