'Battle starts here' on Shropshire school closures

Parents and teachers today vowed "The battle starts here" as consultation got under way on plans to axe nine Shropshire schools.

Staff and governors at the affected schools claim the proposals are short-sighted. They are urging people across the county to join them in opposition by sending letters of objection in their droves and lobbying against the plans.

Shropshire Council today officially launched the consultation over its controversial proposals to shut eight county primary schools and The Wakeman secondary in Shrewsbury to tackle falling pupil numbers and funding shortages.

Karen Moore, headteacher at Wakeman School, said: "I think people have underestimated the strength of feeling in the community and the level of support there is for the school."

Jerry Hughes, chairman of governors at Stiperstones Primary School, near Shrewsbury, said the council had not come up with a valid reason to shut the school.

In south Shropshire, Onny Primary School in Onibury, Lydbury North Primary School and Hopton Wafers Primary School near Cleobury Mortimer have all been earmarked for the axe.

Laura Watton, a member of Onny Action Group, said: "As a school we have been actively looking at the possibilities of forming a federation for the past 12 months but we were put on the closure list instead.

"The six week battle starts here, and as a parent and action group member I'll be joining others attending meetings, lobbying and writing letters on the school's behalf."

In Oswestry, Maesbury Primary School is also on the hit-list. Headteacher Rosemary Finney said: "Governors, parents and the community are all ready to fight the closure proposals."

Under Shirehall's proposals, the two schools in Shawbury would merge on the site of Shawbury Primary School, while St Mary's would close.

Sharon Ricci, who has two children at St Mary's Primary School, said: "I think people will get involved in this process and have their say."

By Russell Roberts