Labour backed proposals to close St Peter’s Community Primary and Nursery School in Portslade and St Bartholomew’s CE Primary School in Ann Street, Brighton, at a council meeting yesterday afternoon.
Brighton and Hove City Council said it had “no choice but to take action” and cited dwindling pupil numbers, cuts to council funding, and the need to reduce costs for the proposed closures.
Parents and children gathered outside Hove Town Hall ahead of the meeting of the children, families and schools committee, urging councillors to reconsider the plans in the face of strong opposition.
More than 80 per cent of responses to consultations on the plans objected to closing the two schools.
Green and Conservative councillors voted against the proposals, which also include cuts to Bright Start nursery in Barrack Yard, Brighton.
Councillor Chloe Goldsmith, Green councillor for Regency ward and member of the children, families and schools committee, said: “I am appalled that, in the face of such strong opposition to their school closure plans, Labour councillors could not bring it upon themselves to even consider exploring a set of alternatives that could save St Bartholomew’s from immediate closure and maintain Bright Start’s current provision, including the vital places for under-twos.
“The option of situating the nursery within the school is one supported by the school and campaigners and there are even suggestions about how this could be funded.
“Merging the sites could both save a well-loved school and nursery, and help Labour meet their own national manifesto pledges of combining school and nursery provision.
“Greens have always been clear that closing schools in our city must be a last resort – one that should only be on the table after every other option has been properly evaluated.
“This stubborn refusal to explore the options has left families in the city centre bereft of the representation they deserve, and that Labour promised at the last local election.”
Councillor Jacob Taylor, deputy leader of the council, said: “We are pleased to have come up with a costed and viable proposal that will secure the long-term future of Bright Start Nursery and save it from closure.
“Last year the Green Party proposed the full closure of Bright Start nursery, so I am glad to see they have finally recognised that it is a valuable asset.
“The idea of pausing these plans is more of the Green Party kicking the can down the road and being unwilling to take responsible and tough decisions. They did this time and again when in administration and this has led to a worse situation for schools and nurseries.
“If they had taken any action in the last three years, we would not be in this position now. Instead, they left us with a £3 million budget overspend on our general fund, and a school system in budget crisis.
“Since these proposals were made, the Greens have offered zero alternative plan. They haven’t explained how they would address the issue of dramatically falling pupil numbers, and create a sustainable primary school system. Because they have no plan – all they can do is shout from opposition.
“These changes are required to ensure schools are less empty, and better funded – so they can provide the support that’s needed for disadvantaged pupils. The Greens never took responsibility in office, and certainly aren’t able to do it in opposition.”
A statutory notice regarding the closure of both schools will be published, triggering a four-week consultation period.
A final decision on the closure of both schools will be made by councillors on March 4.
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