Rescue mission to save school

10:13pm Thursday 3rd July 2008

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PROTESTERS made their feelings known in Sandbach town centre this week in an effort to save a primary school from closure.

Parents, staff and local residents have launched a campaign to rescue Sandbach Community Primary School from closure at the hands of county council bosses.

Supporters of the school are now gathering names for a petition and showed a united front outside Sandbach Town Hall on Tuesday.

Parent Sarah Cooper, who has organised the protests, said: “We are putting up a huge fight.

“Our children will have nowhere to go, there are only a couple of other primary schools in the town and all would involve a car journey or a very long walk, which will also mean more danger on the roads and more pollution! “Also the children will be separated from their friends, as they won't all fit into one school.

“The staff at our school are amazing and have worked very hard to make it into the wonderful place it is today, we will not let this go without a fight!”

The school’s chairman of governors Carol Davies said: “I am pleased to be able to challenge the proposed option.

“The governors, staff and parents want to convince councillors that this is not the best option for Sandbach and that we believe that the closure of our school would be detrimental to the town, the local community and especially the children.

“We will be offering a more viable and acceptable alternative for consideration that not only suits the town but also fulfils the concern we have at the heart of this school for the education and care of our children.

“The staff and the governors have been overwhelmed by the support and loyalty from parents.

“We would assure them and the local community that we will be doing all we can to persuade the relevant parties that this school not only provides good education for our children, fulfils a significant community role and offers holistic child centred services for the next generation, but also delivers on the Government’s agenda detailed in Every Child Matters.”

Labour’s Parliamentary spokesman for Congleton Gary Poole has also thrown his support behind the campaign.

He said: “I was fortunate enough to have attended this school and I know what an important role it plays in the life of Sandbach and its significance goes far beyond the immediate catchment area.

“This school offers innovative and award-winning education and I cannot believe that anyone who cares about the education of children can consider closing this site.

“The depth of feeling amongst the local community is absolutely clear from the large numbers who turned up at short notice to fight to keep the school open.

“This school is at the heart of Sandbach and closing it would be another body blow to the town’s identity.”

Members of the public who want to support the campaign can get in touch by emailing savesandbachcp@aol.co.uk