Battle lines on schools

Jan 21 2009 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Battle lines on schools

PARENTS are to be given the power to decide which schools close.

Kirklees Council’s Conservative Cabinet announced a referendum yesterday on a controversial multi-million pound education plan.

Parents in north Kirklees will decide between two proposals for schools in their area – with council taxpayers in Huddersfield helping pick up the tab if they choose the more expensive option.

The Tories announced the bold move after their initial plans unveiled last year for schools in Mirfield, Dewsbury and Batley met strong opposition from parents and teachers.

More than 5,000 people commented on the original proposals, which included closing Castle Hall School in Mirfield. The plan also included a controversial proposal for a new high school in Birkenshaw, the ward of council leader Clr Robert Light.

That plan will be officially dropped next week and two new proposals put to parents in north Kirklees.