MACCLESFIELD MP Sir Nicholas Winterton believes it is “a matter of educational life and death that the right decision is made” regarding the Transforming Learning Communities review.
Speaking to parents at St Barnabas School, he vowed to support those which may fall victim to the axe, but admitted that the decision lay with Cheshire County Council.
Sir Nick acknowledged measures needed to be taken to reduce costs, but added: “The current situation is terrible and I wish things could be left as they are.”
He believes that CCC has underestimated the future population growth, and that officials in Chester do not “appreciate” the Macclesfield community.
He added: “I want to ensure that the interests of parents and the education of the children does not suffer. It is a matter of educational life and death that the right decision is made.
“I see myself as St George seeking to slay the dragon of irrational school closures.”
The veteran Tory said he understood the county council was trying to halt surplus places at a number of schools, and as a county council and administration, they were very underresourced.
He added: “It is important to have some surplus places so that parents genuinely have a choice. If there are none, they do not get that choice.”
Sir Nick supports faith school education, whether Roman Catholic or Church of England, and feels it would be “morally and educationally wrong” if both St Barnabas and St Edward’s were to close.
“It would depriving parents in this area of any real choice,” he said.
“They are populated for a number of reasons, some religious, but also the ethos, and they should have the choice. This area of Macclesfield needs faith schools.”
He told parents that if it was necessary to close either primary, a possible alternative would be to form an ecumenical school at one of the sites.
A CCC spokeswoman said that anyone with a suggestion should put it forward to the council and it would be considered as part of the process.
