PURBECK SCHOOLS

4.39.00pm GMT Thu 5th Mar 2009

LIB DEMS SAY COMMUNITY SHOULD BE PROPERLY INVOLVED IN DECISION-MAKING ON PURBECK SCHOOLS

Liberal Democrats in Purbeck are calling for more than an extended public consultation on the schools provision issue.

"I have attended several meetings & received many letters & emails from concerned parents on both sides of the fence" said Prospective MP Ros Kayes. "I want to thank them for showing their concern."

" I recently met with the leader of a council in Wales",she added " where a similar reorganisation had taken place. The council had been removed at the next election as a result of their failure to consult properly. When he became leader he ensured that parents, teachers, councillors & officers all worked together in a consultation that allowed them to examine the problems & come to an agreed solution.

That's what should be happening in Dorset. Extended consultation in Purbeck is no longer enough. What we need now is the County Council working with the community to find a solution. There might have to be some compromises made in places, but all the parents & teachers who have written to me have shown they understand the issues & are knowledgeable enough to make decisions. This decision must NOT just be referred back to the Cabinet & made without proper debate. All of the relevant information must be in the public domain. I would like to see the County Council making a commitment to giving the community a role in finding a solution."