Wokingham Lib-Dem response to Tory decision to close Ryeish Green School (Wokingham Liberal Democrats)

Wokingham Liberal Democrats <info@wokinghamlibdems.org.uk>

Wokingham Lib-Dem response to Tory decision to close Ryeish Green School

August 20, 2007 1:15 PM

The Tory Executive of Wokingham Borough Council last Thursday voted to close Ryeish Green School. The Tory Executive took only 13 minutes to decide the fate of the school, and Liberal Democrat councillors are furious that the Tories could not even be bothered to give the time to answer all the questions that had been sent in by the public and fellow councillors.

Campaigner David Hare outside Ryeish Green School

Campaigner David Hare outside the school

Councillor Malcolm Storry (Lib Dem councillor for Bulmershe & Whitegates ward) said, "How long would it have taken them to answer the 4 remaining questions, which raised important issues?

"They were so determined not to listen that they would not even spend another 15 minutes addressing these real concerns. Lots of people, including the Liberal Democrats and CfBT, put forward coherent arguments why it is in everyone's interest to keep the school open. But the Tories have been determined to close the school from the very beginning.

"As usual, the Tories have been deaf to everyone else's point of view. What passed for a debate last night was a total sham, and they should be ashamed of themselves. This is another example of the Tories thinking they can do whatever they want. As with Elms Field, they are riding roughshod over the wishes of the community.

"No wonder the public present were so angry with the Tory Executive last Thursday. We have all fought hard against the school closure for the past year - and the Tories have not listened to a word we have said."