Alan Beith

Liberal Democrats | Berwick-upon-Tweed

Beith fights to save rural schools

Every effort must be made to keep rural schools open, says Berwick MPAlan Beith.

Speaking to anxious school governors, teachers and parents at Ford FirstSchool, Mr Beith outlined the different options for keeping ruralschools open and talked about how important rural schools are to pupils,parents and the wider local community.

Said Mr Beith:

“Everyone agrees that the issue of rural schools' closure is not justabout Ford School but about all rural schools. Village schools areimportant to rural areas - they are a key asset. They serve theirdistinct villages, families and local communities, which is why theGovernment ought to do as much as possible to keep smaller rural schoolsopen.

“The Government introduced the idea of ‘rural proofing' but Ministersseem to have done nothing to make sure that the policy is applied toeducation funding and to policy on ‘surplus places', both of which arethreatening rural schools. The closure of rural schools is just anotherexample of how the Labour Government is failing to address its promisesof ‘education, education, education'.

“Northumberland County Council is in a difficult situation, but thatcannot be allowed to justify closing good schools in villagecommunities.”