Prime Minister visits county

Friday 1st February 2008, 2:43PM GMT

Gordon Brown arrives at Telford International Centre with Dame Kelly Holmes and Culture Secretary Andy Burnham.

Gordon Brown arrives at Telford International Centre with Dame Kelly Holmes and Culture Secretary Andy Burnham.

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5 Comments

  1. Mark Crisp said: Feb 1st, 2008 at 14:04

    If, as Mr Brown claims, that “There has been no change of policy towards rural schools, and indeed, we have strengthened the law to prevent closures” then why did Shirehall chose to ignore such clear guidance when announcing its consideration of consulting on closing 22 of our rural schools? This has caused untold anxiety amongst staff, pupils, their communities and, no doubt, has cost a considerable amount of money in Council resources. I hope this whole experience proves sufficient warning to the Council of the strength of feeling about this – well done to the schools who displayed a united voice on this!

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  2. tony russell from devon said: Feb 1st, 2008 at 15:17

    gordon next time you visit shropshire, possibly in 2015 bring some cash with you for our unitary authority’s education committee

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  3. Paulodipoggio said: Feb 1st, 2008 at 16:07

    Did he have to go home early in case it snows?

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  4. Ian Kidd said: Feb 1st, 2008 at 17:08

    Until the policy that is driving the school closures and mergers is shredded all small schools remain under threat. It is not just 22 schools, there are an additional 16 schools that are now going to be merged even if they do not want it, such as Lydbury North. All schools now need to come to the support of those now being closed by these mergers. This is not a pure funding issue and has not been from the outset. What is Shropshire County Councils vision for Primary Schools? Who is driving this axe that will fall heavily on close communities? Take a primary school out and it makes a village unsustainable. Is that the vision of SCC!

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  5. Simon said: Feb 1st, 2008 at 17:16

    To answer Comment 1 – It was because Shropshire County Council is a Conservative council, and is doing it’s best to damage the government for it’s own political reasons. Councillors are not interested in the anxiety you mentioned, they only have self interest in mind – and I mean councillors of all colours.

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