Head’s warning of gangs moving in if comprehensive school shuts down
He criticised the limited response from earlier consultations and said: “To make your decision on thin evidence is a catastrophe for the long term implications of community cohesion.”
Nicky Madden, spokesperson for PAC, wearing a white and red campaign T-shirt said the proposals had struck sheer panic and uproar in the Croxteth and Norris Green neighbourhoods.
She said: “We want equality of choice and the provision of good co-educational and non-faith schools within walking distance of homes.
“There is good community cohesion in our communities, it is the media which has affected the perception of the area and made people think it’s safer to send their kids elsewhere.
“There is no gang culture at all in this school. Putting all the boys into an academy together is not the answer.
“There are going to be new homes built, its incomprehensible that amidst the regeneration they are taking away the school at the heart of the community which also provides adult education.”
A council review of secondary provision in Croxteth, Norris Green and Clubmoor found that falling school rolls could not sustain the three current schools.
The council also points to the success of St John Bosco which is oversubscribed compared with De La Salle and Croxteth CC which are under -subscribed with Croxteth CC predicted to have more than 70% surplus places by 2012.
The 2010 closure deadline coincides with a government requirement for all schools to reach at least 30% pass rate in grades A*-C , with GCSE attainment in Croxteth falling below this target.
Councillors were only able to listen to the speeches but speaking on the issue previously, Cllr Keith Turner, executive member for education and skills said: “We will listen to people, we haven’t got a closed mind, and we will work towards the best solution for all.”
The consultation will run until Wednesday July 23 with the outcome being reported to the executive board of the city council for a decision in September.
PAC who have labelled the consultation “a joke and flawed” have been given a two week extension to send in their objections.
