Virtual Lancaster

(Updated 21st August to correct information about Hornby High): Sitting MP David Morris has announced he will campaign against the closure of the Skerton High Community School, joining oppostion from parents, local councillors and Labour’s candidate for the Morecambe and Lunesdale who have also raised concerns at the possibility.

As we previously reported, Lancashire County Council has confirmed it is to consult on the possible closure of Skerton High Community School, citing  low pupil numbers and teaching standards – provoking an angry repsonse from some parents of children at the school.

“I was disappointed that the first I heard of the potential closure was from parents,” Mr Morris said in a statement. “It is usual protocol and common courtesy for the County Council to inform the MP. After I wrote to the County Council they have confirmed there is a statutory procedure, the first stage is a consultation that lasts no longer than twelve months and a minimum period of six weeks during term time is recommended.”

Skerton’s Labour councillors have begun a campaign to oppse the school’s closure, canvassing some parts of the ward to solicit support.

School governor and County Councillor Karen Leytham said she was deeply saddened and frustrated that Lancashire County Council had seen fit to announce the decision to consult on the future of the school immediately prior to the summer holidays.

“This extremely ill-timed decision has caused much anxiety and distress to pupils, parents, staff and governors alike,” she said.

Amina Lone, Labour’s candidate in the next General Eelction for Morecambe and Lunesdale, is encouraging affected parents to get invovled in the consultation on the future of Skerton High Community School.

“I am still getting up to speed on Skerton High’s proposed closure,” Amina Lone told virtual-lancaster, “but I am very keen to encourage as many people as possible to respond to the consultation – residents and parents.”

This is not the first time Lancashire County Council has attempted to close Skerton High School. A similar consultation was announced back in 2007 and another one in 2009 when the County Council consulted on the closure of Hornby High School and Skerton High School.

Note: Our original version of this story quoted from David Morris’ web site, where it was stated “Hornby High School was later saved when David Morris and the Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove MP intervened.” This is not the case. As former head Caroline Jackson told virtual-lancaster, Hornby High was closed as a state school four years ago and is now run as a private school by the Exclusive Brethren Christian group.