“All we need to do is scare off the cabinet from making a decision on 6th March,” an Isle of Wight MP said yesterday in reference to controversial school closure plans.
Speaking as a guest speaker at Ryde county councillor Michael Lilley’s ward meeting at St John’s Church in Oakfield, Joe Robertson said himself and the Diocese of Portsmouth “showing a stronger hand” prior to the cabinet’s decision “may be enough” to avert closures.
A ‘good case’ to remain open
The Conservative politician previously said he believed three schools earmarked for closure – Oakfield CE Primary School, Brading CE Primary School and Wroxall Primary School – have a ‘good case’ to remain open.
All three of the schools lie within his parliamentary constituency and two are owned by the Diocese of Portsmouth.
He told the meeting,
“I’ve already written to Ashley Whittaker, the director of children’s services, had a meeting with him and Jonathan Bacon to share my objections to the closure of Oakfield – I used to be a governor of Oakfield – and to object to the closure of Brading and Wroxall as well.
“They’re not listening. I suspect probably the most likely best option, is if it goes to appeal and the diocese take it through the appeal stage, sadly.
“It’s very frustrating when you’re not listened to, and its frustrating when it’s effectively only seven people who will make a decision.”
Letter to the Cabinet
Mr Robertson offered to write to the cabinet to urge them to visit Oakfield school, saying “you can’t possibly make a decision if you’ve never visited”.
One meeting attendee said the cabinet informed her they were unable to attend the school due to “legal dangers”.
Falling birth rates
County Hall has said the closure plans are a response to a ‘significant decline’ in Island and national birth rates over the last five years.
There are currently 10,724 primary school places available on the Isle of Wight, but the overall number of primary pupils is expected to fall from 9,300 in 2017 to 7,640 in three years’ time, according to council data.
Article edit
11.15am 8th Feb 2025 – Number of schools owned by the Diocese of Portsmouth changed to 2
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
