Former pupils praise under-threat school

Written by Richard Wooley and published in Matlock Mercury on Mon 23rd Apr 2007

Calendar News crews film with parents and pupils ahead of last Wednesday's public meeting

SUPPORTERS of an under-threat village school hope heartfelt testimonials from successful former pupils will help to save it from closure.

The decision on the future of Stoney Middleton Primary School is now with the independent schools adjudicator, who held a public meeting last Wednesday to gauge public opinion on the plans.

And campaigners fighting to save the school think their case was given a boost when former pupils sung the praises of the school.

Sue Bettney, chair of Save Stoney School action committee said: "It was an absolutely packed public meeting which, yet again, shows we have full community support to keep the school open.

"This time lots of our younger people, who are now at university, talked about the good grounding they got at Stoney school. It was brilliant that they were there."

Hannah Styles, 13, now one of Britain's most promising motorcycle trials riders, also spoke about how her sporting career was nurtured at the school.

Mrs Bettney added: "The purpose of the meeting was for the adjudicator to hear first hand what people think about the school.

"The emotion in the room was tangible - you could feel how strongly the community felt about the possible loss.

"I'm sure that came across, but the adjudicator was very professional and remained impartial.

"We've got to stay positive. We don't know what the outcome will be but we know we have given it our best shot."

Derbyshire County Council put forward the proposal to close the school in October last year, citing falling pupil numbers.

The decision was referred to the schools adjudicator after a committee of interested groups raised concerns over the impact the closure would have on village life and the danger faced on the roads by pupils walking to their new school at Curbar.

A decision from the adjudicator is expected on Friday May 11.

Visit www.matlockmercury.co.uk for details of the decision as soon as it is announced, or go to www.schoolsadjudicator.gov.uk to read the verdict in full.