Lib Dems to launch last-minute attempt to block Labour school closures

1.55.49pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 7th Mar 2007

The demonstration against Labours proposal

The Liberal Democrats on Sheffield City Council are set to make a last-minute attempt to block the controlling Labour Groups controversial plan to close Wisewood and Myers Grove Schools. At the full meeting of Council today Labour are set to approve the school closures. However, the Lib Dems will move an amendment to the Labour recommendation that if accepted will halt the closure plans.

Lib Dems are backing the local community who have vigorously campaigned against closures. They want to see both schools remain open and under LEA control. The controlling Labour group want to close both schools and replace them with a new school on the Myers Grove site.

The Lib Dem amendment brands the consultation process a whitewash as Labour politicians had already decided to close schools regardless of its outcome. It also sets down a plan to keep both schools open as community schools under LEA control.

Cllr Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: -

"We believe that the whole consultation process was a whitewash. The concerns of local people have been dismissed out of hand, its clear the Labour plan for closures was agreed months ago regardless of the local communities view. They have been let down by the council and their local Labour councillors who have failed to represent them"

"But unlike Labour local Liberal Democrats have been listening to local people who have run a convincing and vigorous campaign against the closures. We believe that both schools could have a viable future. That's why we will be arguing against Labours plan to close Wisewood and Myers Grove Community Schools"

"If accepted our amendment would block Labours closure plan and pave the way for opening up the option of both schools remaining open under LEA control. That's what the local people want and I hope that all members of the council regardless of their political allegiances will recognise this and support our proposal"