Parents fear decision on closures 'already made'

PARENTS at two Tyne Valley first schools threatened with closure fear the decision on their future has already been made.

- JAMES ROBINSON

Parents protest against the proposed school closures

The community has voiced stiff opposition to plans from the Cheviot Learning Trust to close Prudhoe Castle and Mickley First Schools.

The trust is consulting on the changes, which it blames on falling birth rates. However, following two consultation events, parents have voiced concerns that the decision has been predetermined.

There was unhappiness that the consultation events, held at Prudhoe Community High School, were "closed" rather than an open forum. This was despite requests ahead of the meeting to change the format.

Dawn Bell, chairman of Mickley First School Parents, Teachers and Friends Association, said: "We asked for an open forum but we were refused. Not everyone is comfortable speaking privately in this setting.

"This meant parents who wanted to be part of the consultation could not take part."

Under the Cheviot Learning Trust's plans, Mickley will be merged with Stocksfield’s Broomhaugh First School while Prudhoe Castle will be amalgamated into Ovingham First School on the other side of the Tyne.