Hopes dashed over school closures

Parents' hopes of reversing a decision to close middle schools in the outer west area of Newcastle were dashed on Wednesday evening.

Chapel House, Chapel Park and Throckley middle schools were due to close under plans by the Labour-run council.

But the Liberal Democrats, who now control Newcastle City Council, said it would not be financially viable to change the plans at so late a stage.

They also rejected a move to ballot parents about the schools' future.

The reorganisation was aimed at tackling the problem of falling pupil numbers and raising educational standards.

I am absolutely gutted, we have fought hard for this and I really expected the ballot to happen Alison Tarn, parent

The three-tier system was to be phased out, and a two-tier system introduced.

At the time, parents and staff protested against the proposals, calling for the plans to be abandoned.

After Wednesday's council meeting Nick Cott, executive member for education and training on Newcastle City Council, said: "We believe that there were serious flaws in the original consultation process.

"Our preference would be to hold a ballot, but we do not want to create further uncertainty and we will work to make sure the transition arrangements are as acceptable to parents as possible."

Alison Tarn, whose son is at Chapel House Middle School, said: "I am absolutely gutted, we have fought hard for this and I really expected the ballot to happen.

"But parents will continue to fight the battle, and we shall be in touch with our local councillors."