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News & Goings On
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17/12/2005
HIGHFIELDS CASE HEARD AT PARLIAMENT
Dudley North MP IAN AUSTIN has taken the fight against plans to close a Coseley School in his constituency to the House of Commons.
Austin spoke out over Dudley Council's plans to close Highfields, as well as Sycamore Green School. He said the council had failed to take parents, governors and councillors views into account, had not considered alternatives put forward to develop other facilities at the schools and had not even responded to letters and petitions put forward.
Ian Austin said:
"Parents in my constituency are furious about these plans and the council's failure to consider their views and suggestions. I'm on their side. It's my job to stand up in the House of Commons and speak out for my constituents. Clearly Geoff Hoon agreed that it is a very serious issue."
The full text of the House of Commons debate was as follows:
Mr. Ian Austin (Dudley, North) (Lab): May I ask whether it might be possible to have a debate about the way that local authorities close primary schools? In my constituency, Dudley's Conservative-controlled council plans to close two very good schools, Highfields primary and Sycamore Green. The consultation process has been very unsatisfactory, to say the least. The council has failed to consider any alternatives, such as Sure Start schemes, children's centres or other community facilities, and it has not even replied to letters and petitions submitted by parents and governors who, together with councillors Ridney, Finch, Davies, Aston, Mottram and Johnson, have fought such a great campaign.
Mr. Hoon: My hon. Friend raises an important issue. Clearly, it is extremely worrying for parents of children at primary schools if they do not have the opportunity to participate in proper consultation about closure proposals. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising the matter in the way that he has.
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