York’s Liberal Democrat Group have said they cannot support Labour’s plans to close Burnholme Community College while so many questions remain unanswered ahead of Tuesday’s key Cabinet decision on the issue.

Cllr Keith Aspden, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Education, Children & Young People, has today commented:

“After meeting parent representatives last week to study Labour’s proposals we cannot support the plans for closure when there are still legitimate questions for the Cabinet to answer. These include the potential £2 million cost for closing the school and a lack of detail as to where the invaluable on-site Special Educational Needs provision will be moved. We also need to see a long-term strategic plan to deal with an increased demand for school places after closure and the rising pupil numbers across York in the next ten years.
“In 2009, the Council agreed a 5 year plan to save the school. This plan should not be abandoned half-way through for short-term financial considerations. The parents and governors have worked tirelessly to present a thorough case that proper support and investment could result in an increase in pupil numbers to improve the viability of the school. This needs to be fully explored before Labour rush into closure. Once the school is closed it will be lost forever to the community. The Cabinet has to address all of the issues before they take a decision that has such profound long-term implications for the pupils, staff and parents.”