New Year delay on schools axe

Oct 14 2008 by Andrew Hirst, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE decision on a massive schools shake-up has been delayed until the new year following an “overwhelming” public response.

Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member for schools Clr Jim Dodds announced yesterday that the £200m plan, which could see 11 schools close, would now be looked at “line-by-line”.

Last month Clr Dodds outlined plans for schools in Mirfield, Dewsbury, Batley and other towns in north Kirklees.

Consultation – involving parents, teachers, governors, councillors, trades unions and MPs – began on September 17 and will continue until November 7.

The results were due to go to the council’s Cabinet in December, but Clr Dodds announced yesterday that this has been put back to the end of January next year – and it could be even later than that.