Hundreds protest against Labours school closure plan

2.07.18pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 4th Jan 2007

Hundreds of protesters including parents, pupils and the local Liberal Democrats against the closure of local schools.

Hundreds of protesters including parents, pupils and the local Liberal Democrats stepped up their campaign to save their community secondary schools with a lunchtime rally and march in Sheffield city centre. Protesters vowed to save Wisewood and Myers Grove Secondary School's after handing over a petition containing more than 2,100 names to the council.

Local Hillsborough Lib Dem campaigner Steve Ayris

Labour plan to close both schools and hove not put any other options in front of parents for the consultation. Parents have been angered by Labour councillors who have been discussing the plans amongst themselves in secret for months.Many believe that the closure of both schools is already a 'done deal'.

Cllr Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, with protesters

Local Liberal Democrats are proposing an alternative to Labours closure plan. Unlike Labour we would give the local people the option of going to the Government with a scheme that would provide a 'two-community solution'. A new smaller school at Myers Grove with the 14-19 centre on site and a new smaller school at Wisewood. New schools for both communities that would provide quality education. The difference between Liberal Democrats and Labour on this and many other issues in Sheffield is that we are willing to give people real options and then fight for what they want, even if that means standing up to the Government.