MP backs fight to save Cotswold schools (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

MP backs fight to save Cotswold schools

COTSWOLD MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown has thrown his weight behind the campaign to save two primary schools from closure.

He visited schools in Longborough and Lower Swell on Friday to offer his support after it emerged last month they were under threat.

Primary school education in Gloucestershire has been undergoing massive changes over the last 12 months.

Six review panels were set up in March 2005 to tackle falling pupil numbers in the county's schools and the recommendations for the Cotswolds will go before a meeting of Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet on February 1.

Both Longborough and Lower Swell Primary Schools are facing closure, while Stow Primary could have six extra classes built to cope with the excess of pupils.

Mr Clifton-Brown said: "In Longborough I was taken to the village shop and it was clear to me that if the school is closed it will tear the heart out of the village.

"It will mean four-year-olds being bussed to Stow, which will mean extra traffic and strain on the children.

"What will be left if we close schools, shops and cottage hospitals? We will end up with retirement villages with very little going on during the day - I want to see vibrant Cotswold villages and I will campaign to keep these schools open."

At Lower Swell School, parents have already formed an action group in a bid to derail the planned closure.

Chairman Graham Dodridge told the Standard parents and pupils were devastated by the recommendations and would battle to keep the school alive.

Headteacher Karen Lewis said: "Mr Clifton-Brown's visit was very positive and he seemed very optimistic about the future.

"He was lovely with the children and joined in with what they were doing. He was very friendly and chatty, and hopefully we gave him a feel for the school.

"Parents and pupils are very concerned about what the possible outcome could be for the school. We are all holding our breath at the moment.

"People have been very active in making their views known and there is strong community support."