School closure scheme running into opposition

FEARING for the future of their school, pupils, teachers and parents put their running shoes on as part of their campaign to stop its closure.

- SOPHIE DOUGHTY

The future of Langley First School, in Monkseaton, remains uncertain after North Tyneside Council announced plans for a major shakeup of Whitley Bay schools.

The authority’s proposals would see Langley First School merge with Appletree Gardens First School and the closure of Monkseaton Middle School. The plans, first revealed earlier this month, have sparked a huge outcry from staff and parents at Langley, who have since launched a campaign to save the school.

Staff, pupils and parents past and present staged a ‘takeover’ at Whitley Bay Junior Parkrun yesterday to raise awareness of the school’s plight. Proudly dressed in their school’s bright red colours and carrying posters and banners the group made sure they were seen and heard as they took part in the two kilometre children’s run.

Langley First School's headteacher, Simon Ward, said the response since the launch of the campaign had been “phenomenal”.