Diocese -"no views" on school closure

12.00.00am GMT Fri 3rd Feb 2006

Councillors officers and local residents from Garston and the shrouding areas heard yesterday (2 Feb) that the Church of England Diocesan authorities have "no view" on the proposed closure of Garston Church of England Primary School.

The news came during a debate organised as part of the consultation process on potential closure.

Councillors Paula Keaveney and Peter Millea, along with other members of the Garston neighbourhood committee, argued that the school should be kept open because of the need to provide a choice of faith based education and because of the continuing regeneration of Garston, which can only mean more families in the area.

But in answer to a question from Paula Keaveney, it transpired that the Diocese was not opposing closure. It was also reported that the nearest C of E primary likely to have places was in the Dingle, a considerable journey for those pupils from Speke, Halewood and Garston.

Says Paula: "This is a large catchment area that could be without a C of E primary school. If we believe in choice then this school needs to stay"

Adds Peter "The regeneration of Garston is nowhere near finished. I know of places where housebuilding is very likely, but where there haven't yet been any planning discussions. These areas are not included in the figures used by officials."