--------------------ooooo-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUICK LINKS

NEAG

Labour argues that getting rid of middle schools will bring about improvements in education results. The LibDems think this is nonsense, In Tynedale, for example, the schools on the whole are successful, with Hexham schools in particular having high achievers when compared to other areas in the UK which operate a 2-tier system.

The questionnaire underlines Labour’s amateurish attempt at consultation. Some of the questions are poorly worded and you have to wonder what spin the Labour controlled council will put on the replies. Andrew Duffield, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Hexham and a County Councillor himself said, “Labour altered the questionnaire at the last moment removing the key question of whether people would prefer 3 tiers or 2 tiers? Labour are clearly running scared of getting an answer they don’t like!”

Councillor Derek Kennedy said “The Labour council have obviously lost the plot on education. The public are not convinced 2-tiers will be better, there is no guarantee changing the system will deliver improved results. As a father myself with a child ready to start school soon, I believe it is disgraceful that this debacle has been allowed to continue for so long. It is time for a council that will listen to parents, pupils and teachers.”

Fortunately the public will have an opportunity to tell the County Council what they prefer, when the County Council elections take place on Thursday 5^TH May. If you prefer a 2-tier system with all the uncertainty and the middle school closures then vote Labour or Conservative. The current Conservative county councillor for Hexham West is committed to 2-tier schooling. The only party offering to truly consult and consider the retention of 3-tiers is the Liberal Democrats. May 5^th will be the best opportunity for parents to send a clear message to the County Council of what they want for their children. A Lib Dem council will seek local solutions to the problems of surplus places and crumbling schools, not Labour’s “one size fits all” proposals.

11 March 2005