School closures: 'Call in a consultant to help fight'

Oct 3 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A CONSULTANT is needed to help parents fight controversial school plans, a councillor has said.

Kirklees Council announced a massive restructuring of education in north Kirklees earlier this month.

Mirfield parents have protested against the plan, which involves closing Castle Hall School and Specialist Language College.

More than 100 of them attended an open meeting last week to discuss opposition to the plans.

Clr Martyn Bolt wants Mirfield Town Council to employ an outside expert to come up with an alternative plan.

He said: “I think it would be advantageous to bring in a consultant who could come up with an alternative that’s costed and viable, rather than burying our heads in the sand.

“Simply saying no is not an option.”