Main heading

Ref: 166/08 14 May 2008

Notices to be Published Proposing Handley Hill Closure

Public notices proposing the closure of Handley Hill Primary School in Winsford are published this week.

The notices, which propose closure in August 2009, will be published today (Wednesday) and will run for six weeks.

If objections to the closure are received during this period the decision will be referred to a Children’s Services Executive Sub-Committee in July.

Children’s Services Executive Member David Rowlands said: “Closing a school is never an easy decision to make, but the worsening situation with surplus places has meant this is the best option to secure a viable future for primary education in Winsford.

“In the event of closure, there would be sufficient places in the Over and Glebe Green areas to accommodate Handley Hill pupils, should parents wish.

“However, we are aware that many pupils in the area attend schools outside their catchment area, therefore it is likely that parents would send their children to a wide range of schools in Winsford if Handley Hill were to close.”

Discussions are continuing regarding the school’s memorial garden with the family concerned. They are being kept fully informed about the proposals and, should the school close, their views will be important in determining the future of the garden.

Should the matter be referred to a Children’s Services Executive Sub-Committee, members will hear the case for closure from the County Council and will hear from the school in support of remaining open.

Members of the public may attend the meeting but are not permitted to make representations.

Once evidence has been gathered from all parties the Sub-Committee will make its decision in private which will then be published and available to the public.

The school has been experiencing falls in pupil numbers for several years. This is forecast to continue, with surplus places rising to 99 within five years.


RN/KT

Notes to Editors: For further information please contact County Councillor Rowlands on 01244 300655 and Margaret Gill, Lead Officer for the Winsford TLC Review, on 01244 972380.