Have the courage to reconsider

By now most people may have heard about the proposals for closing Onny school and others in the south Shropshire area.

What they may not be aware of is the very limited amount of information that has been made available on the reasons for the formulation of this policy.

It is increasingly obvious that hasty decisions have been made on a subjective rather than a factual basis.

This, in turn, has resulted in a flawed policy that is based almost entirely on financial grounds and ignores so many other important factors such as parental choice.

The overwhelming majority of the small rural schools provide a very good standard of education, a fact recently lauded by the county council. I passionately believe that all of Shropshire's small rural schools are essential and should remain open.

No alternatives to this monumental decision have been made public.

In addition, the county council's online consultation document contains very leading questions so that the reader is left with little alternative but to answer "yes' to the proposed closures.

I can only conclude that the so-called consultation process is a complete sham.

This process is totally unjustified and immoral. County councillors should recognise their mistake and have the courage to reconsider this matter.

Joe Roberts, Vice chairman of Governors, Onny School, Craven Arms