We must fight to save schools

I would like to add my voice to the growing protest against the recent policy adopted by the Shropshire Conservative County Council on small primary schools.

The county must realise that closing a village school has a profound social and economic impact on all in the community not just parents and children.

A school is not just a place of learning but also the pivot of the community in rural areas; economically it supports the local area. Parents use the local shop/garage if they are fortunate enough to have them.

The after-school activities create friendships, not only with the children but also with the parents. What has happened to Shropshire County Council's "care in the community" and "investing in people"?

SCC does clearly have a split personality. On the one hand they say they care passionately for the community and on the other hand they want to close 20-odd primary schools, thereby killing off the community and community spirit.

I am particularly appalled that rural councillors such as David Evans in Corvedale played a hand in this by voting for the policy.

Especially as in his campaign to become a county councillor he promised to be your representative, not the county council representative to you. So why did he ignore public opinion?

The battle has only just begun. When the county publishes its hitlist we must all be prepared to fight to save our schools

Claude Bodenham, Ludlow