Governor turns up heat on schools

A former top Shirehall official has accused Shropshire County Council of maladministration over what are claimed to be “many shortcomings” in the way the controversial policy for tackling falling pupil numbers was drawn up.

A letter setting out the complaint was drafted by Joe Roberts, vice-chairman of governors at Onny School, near Craven Arms, who retired as the council’s chief engineer three years ago.

The letter will be signed by other county governors and is expected to be sent to the authority next week.

It will be accompanied by evidence compiled by Mr Roberts supporting claims that the policy was seriously flawed. It is alleged:

• Failure to comply with the Code of Practice on Consultation.
• Failure to provide reliable financial data on future funding for primary schools.
• Failure to comply with local authority guidance.
• Failure to plan a coherent policy.
• Failure to properly take into account alternative proposals.

“We believe it is only reasonable for the county council to have the intellectual and political courage to immediately revoke the existing policy,” it says.

A county council spokesman said: “We are clear that the correct processes in regard to school organisation have been followed, and in fact went beyond what the council was expected to do in terms of consultation.”