Published at 11:04, Thursday, 22 December 2011

SIR – The consultation over the future of Captain Shaw’s School, Bootle, has now drawn to an end. The response from the local community and beyond has been tremendous in its support for the school.

heated discussion: There was standing room only at the school meeting

I, personally, would like to thank all the members of the public who have put pen to paper contacting, not only myself, but members of the Copeland Local Committee, Cabinet and others. This has been an incredible effort to save the school from closure and it is my intention to condense the most relevant points raised from the consultation responses and present these to Cabinet in January. The school has, over the years, provided a sound education and continues to do so with the most recent Ofsted report showing good with outstanding qualities. At the three public meetings that have been held recently, I have spoken out in support of Capt Shaw’s, and will continue to do so. I am greatly concerned about the future of this village should this educational facility disappear. This is the wrong time to be suggesting closure with recent planning considerations being progressed. I would urge the Cabinet to consider the implications of closure for I believe we (the community) needs to plan for a sustainable future by actually investing in the area.

Sue BROWN

County councillor for Seascale and Whicham

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk