Brought to tiers over Purbeck school plan (From Bournemouth Echo)

Brought to tiers over Purbeck school plan

7:00am Thursday 5th March 2009 in

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HUNDREDS of parents and children marched on County Hall in Dorchester in a last-ditch effort to make their voices heard against controversial schools plans.

As the consultation period closed yesterday, more than 200 placard-waving protestors, banging drums and blowing on whistles, marched the streets before delivering a 2,000-signature petition to the council.

Dorset County Council wants to switch from a three-tier to a two-tier structure in Purbeck to reduce 1,000 surplus places.

All four of the district’s middle schools would shut under the plans, as well as several popular first schools.

“I think we have really put the message through to the councillors and the council officials. I hope it will make a difference.”

Andy Kent, of the Parents Action Group

The proposals have been met with furious opposition from parents, including Andy Kent, of the Parents Action Group.

He said: “I think we have really put the message through to the councillors and the council officials. I hope it will make a difference.”

He said parents wanted to “wipe the slate clean” and start again with a full consultation.

“We want to work together on it and not just have one option slammed on the table in front of us,” he added.