Fury after move to close school narrowly carried

Townsend people who had packed the chamber shouted their disappointment at supporters of a motion to close the school at the end of the academic year.

And the scenes of heartbreak continued outside the town hall as children cried for their troubled school.

Cabinet members will decide today whether to accept the recommendation, and the view of council officers, to close the school next July.

But they will also consider a minority report after two motions were heard in favour of keeping the school open.

More than four hours of heated debate came down to the casting vote of the chairman of the Investing in People Overview Panel - a committee made up of councillors and education experts.

Cllr Rod Cooper cast his vote in favour of a motion from Cllr Nicola Greene to close the school at the end of the academic year and to consider using the site for "enhanced community facilities".

Three panellists voted in favour of Cllr Greene's proposal, and three voted against.

Independ- ent councillor Anne Rey told Cllr Cooper he had let people down, adding that the new administration was not listening and did not deserve to remain in power after the next election.

Conservative councillor Michael Griffiths said his motion in favour of keeping the school open on safety grounds proved the panel's recommendation had not been made on party lines.

But his proposal in favour of an initiative to give failing schools a "fresh start" failed to find support.

Cllr Ted Taylor demanded the cabinet consider a minority report opposing the closure of the school and asking for options to be explored to keep the school running.

Supporters of the school found it hard to come to terms with the panel's recommendation.

Chairman of Townsend's governors, Andrew Rickett, said the recommendation was a tragedy.

"Uppermost in my mind is to ensure that children at the school receive the best we can give them.

"They come first," said Mr Rickett.