SKERTON HIGH SCHOOL (NO. 3)

That this House notes that Lancashire County Council (LCC) ran a six week consultation period from 6 September to 25 October 2013 on the future of Skerton Community High School; further notes that as part of that consultation 748 responses were received and over 96 per cent were against the closure of the school, along with a further 3,500 names on a petition; further notes that LCC's cabinet member for Children and Schools has ignored these representations and has authorised a statutory closure notice on the school; further notes that an email from the Cabinet Member to a parent prior to the consultation stated that he believed the school should close and is evidence that LCC has not abided by its statutory duty to take into account the views expressed in the consultation; believes that LCC must review its decision to avoid allegations of predetermination; and calls on LCC to listen to local residents and to keep this important local school open.