The public is being urged to give their views about the way forward for primary education in North Carlisle, even if their ideas are different to those outlined in the formal consultation document.
At a meeting of the county council's local committee for Carlisle, councillors were keen to remind people that the public consultation, whilst outlining five specific options for the future, is an opportunity to express any and all opinions about primary education in the north of the city.
Looking at primary school provision north of the River Eden is part of a major countywide review of all schools in Cumbria. The review aims to ensure that in the future the county has the right type of schools, in the right place, at the right size to meet local needs.
The call from the Carlisle local committee came after councillors were informed that Belah school, one of the four primary schools in the review area - the others being Stanwix Primary, Kingmoor Junior School and Kingmoor Infant School - have put forward proposals which would see schools on three sites, as Kingmoor Junior and Infants combine and Belah and Stanwix sites remain as a provider of primary education. The five options suggested in the consultation document would all see Belah close.
Councillor Cyril Weber, chair of the Carlisle local committee, said:
"The consultation document points out in its introduction that the council is looking for as many people as possible to contribute their thoughts on what should happen to primary schools in North Carlisle.
"The proposals from Belah school that we heard about at our meeting are an example of the fact that people are thinking about alternative options as well as just planning to respond to the suggested five options.
"I would urge anyone and everyone who has views, ideas, or wants to support a particular proposal, to make sure their voice is heard. The public's views will be a great help in reaching a decision on the future of the schools involved
A series of meetings with school staff and parents of children at the schools have been arranged by the council and the two local neighbourhood forums will also be holding special meetings to discuss the issues:
Tuesday 26 June - Belah and Kingmoor Neighbourhood Forum 7-9pm at St Augustine's Social Club Hall
Wednesday 27 June - Stanwix Neighbourhood Forum 7-9pm at the Cumbria Park Hotel
For those who prefer drop in sessions, these are being held on Tuesday 26 June.
More information about the consultation and meetings, or copies of the consultation document are available form the school organisation project team on (012280 606013.
Responses to the consultation need to be received by the project team by Friday 20 July.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Alison Lister, Media Officer on 01228-606335