LIB DEMS question county council credibility on schools provision

5.48.00pm GMT Wed 17th Jan 2007

Cllr Hazel Laming talks to local residents outside New Briars School

The county council are proposing to merge New Briars and Stream Woods schools and to reduce primary school places in Central Hatfield by 84. We, and many others, believe their numbers do not add up and that both schools should continue to co-exist.

Residents should know that this is the same county council that completely failed to get it right in St Albans this year where they are 90 places short for reception in 2007! Three St Albans schools have been forced to add a class in time for the next school year - and no-one is happy.

"How can they continue to argue for their "rationalisation" of places in Hatfield with any semblance of credibility" asks local ward councillor Hazel Laming. "With it now looking increasingly likely that Hatfield will have more homes foisted onto it by the government, now is the last time that places should be being reduced."

Local Liberal Democrats support the campaign to preserve Stream Woods and New Briars schools as separate schools each with the capacity to expand if necessary - a solution that will cost less and cause less disruption in our children's education.

For further information call Hazel Laming on 01707 264756, or email hazel.laming@welhat.gov.uk