OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
This from Nick Binfield, Brading. Ed
Reform’s promise on school closures
Following the successful campaign run by Reform UK on the Isle of Wight – resulting in them gaining 19 seats and becoming by far the largest group in the chamber – I would like to remind them of an article published on 10th March, in which Councillor Bill Nigh said a Reform-controlled council “would oppose closures”.
Reform, whilst not in numerical control by the virtue of their size, have significant influence. With this influence comes responsibility.
From insurgency to influence
Now that Reform has moved from an insurgent party to a party of significant influence at County Hall, it is time for them to keep the promises they made from the sidelines.
Schools have become a political football – a situation the education of our children should never be in. For too long, we have rushed rabidly after the “holy grail” of closures.
Why closures don’t work in rural areas
Closures are a blunt tool that may work in urban areas where schools are geographically closer and better connected by public transport.
They should not be considered for schools in Brading, St Helens and Bembridge and other rural communities.
The wider role of village schools
Rural education does so much more than teach the vital skills of reading and writing; it keeps the fabric of a village together by giving young people a shared identity that lasts into old age.
Reform, it is now time for you to deliver on your promises. Not closing rural schools is a promise that must be kept.
