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Objection to the proposed merger of Allhallows/Stoke Primary Academies and Closure of Stoke School

Following a meeting of Stoke Parish Council on Wednesday 12th of June I have been asked to write to you with our objection to the above proposed merger and subsequent potential closure of Stoke Primary Academy.

With reference to an in-depth discussion the members of the Parish Council unanimously agreed that the proposed plans were unsustainable. Various concerns were raised in regards to the inadequate infrastructure in place to support this merger, with current evolving proposals to build numerous new dwellings on the Peninsular over the coming few years, and the over-subscription of many other local primary schools within this region, the current parking restrictions already faced via the residents along the proposed route and the additional stress of increased traffic.

It was felt that this merger had not taken into consideration the transport issues faced via many parents in ferrying their children back and forth to school. Whilst the two schools are located in close proximately geographically, there is fact no established footpath between the two villages, meaning that it would be both impractical and somewhat dangerous to ask the children and their parents to walk to school along this route, especially in the darker winter months and in poor weather conditions. It was also identified that the bus service that runs between the two villages operates on a very limited service, with one bus operating from Stoke to Allhallows every two (2) hours, meaning there is no alternative reliable mode of public transport.

In reference to information received from parents it is understood that the potential closure of Stoke Primary Academy is being fuelled via rumours of subsidence to the back of the school building, however despite numerous requests to review the structural engineers report to establish if the building could be repaired, a copy of this report is yet to be released and further details disclosed.

Stoke Primary Academy is situated in a very rural area and is considered to the heart of the community, having been established in the Victorian era, it is envisioned that should this merger be allowed take place then the village of Stoke would lose the heart of its community and any associated connections both current and historic.

I do hope this letter outlines the Councillors objections clearly however should you require any further information or assistance then please do not hesitate to come back to me.

Regards,

Mrs J. Allen

Clerk to Stoke Parish Council

 

A copy of the complaint letter can be downloaded below