KEETCH INVOLVES SCHOOLS MINISTER IN COUNCIL'S REVIEW PROPOSALS

8.27.00pm GMT Tue 22nd Jan 2008

Liberal Democrat MP for Hereford, Paul Keetch, has spoken personally to Jim Knight MP, Schools Minister at the Department for Children, Schools and Families, about his concerns and those of his Party colleagues and constituents over Herefordshire Council's controversial school review proposals recently published.

Mr Keetch explained, "As a result of my discussion the Minister instructed his officials to contact Herefordshire Council and they did so first thing on Monday morning.

"Later in the day of course there was a statement from the Council saying that they were 'recalling' the proposals. Now, this may just be a coincidence, but I believe this Council has pulled the proposals because of Ministerial involvement and overwhelming pressure from local people.

"The Liberal Democrats locally have been appalled by the proposals and the way in which this Conservative Council think they can play with people's lives. Parents and children have been upset by the proposals and communities are reeling from the manner in which this has been dealt with. School Heads, teaching staff and other employees have been treated with contempt.

"The people of Herefordshire have shown this Council that they will fight back and the Liberal Democrats are united in opposing these dreadful plans.

"But we will not be complacent - The Council may have 'recalled' these proposals but they will need to formulate further plans and my advice to them is to listen to the people and protect our children's future and our communities.

"The Minister has asked me to keep him informed of developments and I have invited him to come to Herefordshire to fully appreciate the effects of the proposals and the strength of feeling here."