21/10/03 - County Council continues to review surplus places in Workington

Today, the County Council’s Cabinet agreed to issue proposals to close Garth and Harrington Infant School and Harrington Junior School and create an all-through primary school on the Junior School site in order to tackle surplus places.  

County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says:

“The County Council has a responsibility to ensure the efficient and effective use of resources and there has been considerable pressure to tackle the problem of surplus places.  Tackling this issue is always difficult however it is clear that there are too many primary school places in South Workington and this needs to be addressed.  In July last year we agreed in principle to close all three schools subject to further consultations and investigations taking place.  We looked at various alternatives with representatives from the local community, including the possibility of Impact Housing Association and its partner Thomas Graham Ltd building an all through primary school in Salterbeck.  After extensive exploratory work it was decided that this option would not be viable.  I am aware that this has been a difficult time for these communities and I hope that parents, staff, Governors and everyone else with an interest in education in this area take the time to contribute to the consultation process.  Local opinions must be expressed so that we are able to inform the decisions which are eventually taken.”