Not enough information' claim over St Martins school plans

A Shropshire village is facing one of the biggest decisions in its recent history without enough information or proper consultation, the chairman of its parish council has claimed.

Alison Baseley has called for an urgent public meeting with council officials to get answers to a series of questions over proposals to create an 'all through' school in St Martins near Oswestry.

Her claims came as a row blew up over the lack of "appropriate" information given to a series of meetings across Shropshire which triggered plans for nine school closures.

Shropshire Council wants to see the new complex on the site of Rhyn Park secondary school, closing Ifton Heath Primary School.

But Councillor Baseley says, a week into six weeks of public consultation, villagers know little of the detail of the proposed school.

She said: "It could be completely the wrong thing for St Martins or it could be a lifesaver for the village - we simply do not know.

"There are so many rumours going around the village. This is one of the biggest decisions in recent years. It could affect the village in so many ways."

St Martins Parish Council is due to meet on Thursday to discuss the matter.

Councillor Baseley said: "We should decide on Thursday whether we are in favour of the plans. I would like to be able to take details of the proposals to the meeting - but there are none."

She said there were no drawings for the new school and no details of how it would operate - from staffing through to who would govern it.

She said: "Where is the money coming from? They are promising this super school but if we merge, and we are being told the merger is proposed because it is to the educational benefit, where is the money coming from? We need some straight answers."

There was criticism of the information being released about the countywide proposed shake-up at a meeting in Shrewsbury on Saturday organised by Shropshire councillor Peter Phillips.

Several speakers said inadequate information had been given at meetings making it difficult for people to make a judgment.

No-one was immediately available at Shropshire Council today to comment on the claims.

By Sue Austin