Primary School Closure "Short-Sighted" - Farron

Local MP Tim Farron has expressed his disappointment at the "short-sighted" decision to close a local primary school, pointing out that many new homes are being built in the area which will lead to an increase in demand for places.

Heversham St. Peter's Church of England Primary School has sent a letter to all parents informing them that the Multi Academy Trust board has decided to recommend that the school be closed at the end of the summer term. This decision will now go to the Regional Schools Commissioner and then to the Secretary of State. The final, formal ratification of the Board's recommendation is expected around Easter.

Tim said: "This is a disappointing outcome for those involved in the school, whether as pupils, parents or teachers. The school has been through a difficult period but it is not that long ago that the school was five times its current size. The decision to close the school is short-sighted at a time when new homes are being built all around the school, which will lead to increased demand for places at the school. As a parent whose children went to a neighbouring primary school, there are questions about the capacity of other nearby schools to take in more and more pupils as the number of homes rises and the number of schools goes down."