Campaign stepped up to save school’s name

A petition with more than 120 signatures will today (Thursday) be handed in to school bosses to oppose their bid to change Hersden Village Primary’s name.

The Stour Academy Trust, which runs the school, believes its expansion plans to cope with new housing will “open up a fresh chapter in its history”, which a re-brand would reflect.

But a row was sparked after the academy announced a consultation on the name change.

Many parents and residents feel it is a “kick in the teeth” and gives the impression the academy is “ashamed” of the village’s name.

They fear the heritage of the school, which opened in the 1960s, will be lost, and suggest the proposed name change is linked to the poor reputation once associated with the village.

The petition letter has been organised by former pupil and parent Sarah Carden, who works at the village community centre, and addressed to academy boss Simon O’keefe.

She said: “The name of Hersden is representative of our heritage, close to our hearts and something we are proud of. The school logo depicts our mining heritage and we need to ensure that our heritage is not lost just because the Stour Academy want a ‘nicer’ name. I believe there to be no valid reason for changing the name of the school that has drastically improved. This is something that should be celebrated.”