Wakeman decision 'too important' for Shropshire Council cabinet

The decision to keep the Wakeman School open is "too important" to be judged by Shropshire Council's cabinet, it has been claimed.

Diane Younger, the school's assistant head, issued the warning at yesterday's tense and impassioned public consultation meeting on county education cuts.

More than 230 people attended the event in the Wakeman School hall.

Mrs Younger said only two members of the cabinet had Shrewsbury links and the decision was of such significance the rulebook should be cast aside and the matter decided by more councillors.

"The decision will be down to the cabinet," said Mrs Younger.

"There are only two councillors in the cabinet who represent Shrewsbury and the decision is far too important to be taken by a small number of people."

Visitors to the school were greeted by a protest message illuminating the building, by digital artist Andy McKeown, and student placards and live music.

Educations chiefs gave a short presentation of their proposals but said plans to close the school were necessary because pupils numbers continue to dip.

Tim Smith, the council's assistant director for children and young people's services, said they were facing a diminishing young population across the county as well as budget cuts.

Norrie Porter, the council's head of premises and planning, said the trend of falling pupil numbers was likely to reverse in the town with plans for about 8,000 houses in coming years.

He added the town would probably need a new school in the 2020s but the Wakeman would still not be looked on favourably because of the location of new builds.