Labour calls for extra meetings on school plans

THE leader of Northumberland County Council’s Labour group has called for more meetings with affected residents ahead of a consultation on the future of schools in the Amble area.

Northumberland County Council launched the consultation on May 11 ahead of a £25.5m investment in the Coquet partnership of schools, with a switch from a three-tier to a two-tier system one potential route forward.

The council will hold a public event to answer questions about the consultation, set to take place on Saturday, June 11 in the Amble Masonic Hall.

However, schools in nearby Widdrington and Hadston would also be affected by the planned changes, and Labour leader Scott Dickinson has said more events should be held to cater for those residents who cannot drive or who work weekends.

Coun Dickinson, who represents the Druridge Bay ward, said: “I have asked if more local meetings can take place for affected areas like Hadston, Widdrington and Red Row.”

Coun Dickinson also urged local residents to have their say on the plans.

He said: “The consultation on our small community schools is really important. People need to understand what a primary and secondary system versus the current first, middle and high would look like.

The Conservative-led administration says it would not make any changes unless approved by a majority of residents. Coun Guy Renner Thompson, the cabinet member for children’s services with responsibility for education, said: “I would urge everyone to take part in the consultation. The school building programme has been led by communities, not by the county council.”

He ruled out additional in-person consultation sessions, but said the council was running a “comprehensive online platform for consultation.”