FURIOUS parents have spoken about their disappointment with the way a meeting about plans to merge two Cricklade schools was managed.

Last month governors voted to merge St Sampson’s Infant and Junior schools from next year, causing an instant outcry from parents and concerned groups.

Parents had called for a public meeting to be held with governors to allow them to explain their decision.

Though they initially refused, offering private individual meetings instead, they later agreed and a meeting was held at the infant school hall on October 13.

Though the meeting had been called by parents in order to address their concerns directly to the governors, it was chaired by Wiltshire Council Schools and Learning Service Director Stephanie Denovan and The Standard was barred from attending.

Grandfather Peter Hansen, who has grandchildren attending both schools, said people at the meeting were disappointed with the way it was controlled by officers from Wiltshire Council.

“The chairwoman from the council spent the whole meeting prowling up and down and kept very tight control over the questioning,” he said.

“Parents weren’t allowed to ask any follow-up questions so many of them feel their concerns weren’t addressed.

“When the parents asked if the governors would be prepared to vote on the proposal again, they were told as the first vote was legally binding so it was going to happen no matter what.”

Parent governor Bill Taylor said he felt the meeting was very positive.

“We believe a lot of peoples questions were addressed,” he said.

“I think one area in common between everyone is that we all want to make sure the very best education is provided for our children.”

Wiltshire Council refused to comment on its role in the meeting.