Victory surprise for school battle

Published in Matlock Mercury on Thu 15th Mar 2007

A ROAR of applause filled the council chamber as Stoney Middleton residents learned they had won a postponement on plans to close the village school.

Fears over road safety and a potentially "devastating" effect on village life were enough for two parties on the school organisation committee to vote against the proposed closure of the primary school.

The final decision will now be made by the Government-appointed schools adjudicator.

Speaking after the meeting, Richard Jones, who had presented the case for retention of the school, said: "This was as near as we could get to a victory tonight.

"Two out of the three independent bodies voted with us.

"It's been a stressful time but we're glad to have come this far."

Peter Hobson, chair of governors, added: "It's a brilliant result.

"We were hoping we could win over one of the parties but to get two is a welcome surprise."

Derbyshire County Council officials had earlier presented evidence showing a ten-year decline in pupil numbers, with little scope for improvement.

Officer for the authority, David Humphrey, told the meeting that the council would not be saving money by closing the school as all funds would be distributed among other schools.

But he added that, in the authority's opinion, Stoney pupils could receive an equally good education at Curbar School for half the cost.

Jim Hickman, assistant director for educational improvement, added that he felt the mixed age groups among the school's pupils were likely to hinder their development.

But Stoney's action group spokesperson Richard Jones argued the cases of schools in Peak Forest and Litton, where the county council's projected pupil numbers proved to be out by 17 and 26 per cent respectively.

He also challenged the council's judgement that the children's prospective walk to Curbar School was safe, when Derbyshire's figures for improving road safety lagged behind the majority of authorities in England.

It was also argued that alternatives to closure, such as federation with neighbouring schools, had not been adequately pursued by the LEA.

Individual groups on the committee, made up of representatives from the Church of England, Roman Catholic Diocese, Derbyshire County Council and governors of other schools, took just half an hour to come to their verdicts.

The school governors and Church of England delegates said they could not support closure of the school due to concerns over road safety and negative impact on the community of Stoney Middleton.

The schools adjudicator is likely to visit the school and organise a public meeting before coming to a decision.

Councillor for the area, Nigel Allwood, said: "I want to congratulate Stoney Middleton on their wonderful presentation - no village could have done better."

15 March 2007