Parents celebrate as plan to close schools dropped

ARENTS in the Tyne Valley are celebrating after controversial plans to close two first schools in the area were dropped.

- JAMES ROBINSON Local democracy reporter [e-mail]

Academy chain ‘The Cheviot Learning Trust has confirmed it will not be going ahead with plans to close Prudhoe Castle and Mickley first schools after a consultation with the community.

‘There was widespread opposition to the proposals, which would have seen Mickley absorbed into Broomley First School in Stocksfield and Prudhoe Castle amalgamated with Ovingham First School.

‘The trust has now confirmed the proposed mergers will not progress any further.

‘The consultation had originally been due to run until November 26, but bosses at the trust have taken the decision to close it early amid fierce opposition.

‘The trust had blamed falling birth rates and declining pupil numbers for the proposals, which would have been put in place as early as next year.

Following a board meeting, co-chair of the Board of Trustees of Cheviot Learning Trust, Ben Cole said the trust had listened to feedback but that the issue of birth rates would have to be tackled in the future.