Croydon Labour hails Conservative u-turn “victory for pupil power”

* Croydon Tories make humiliating U-Turn.
* Sham education consultation lies in tatters.
* Addington High, Westwood, Haling Manor and Selsdon High schools saved.

Parents and pupils, along with Croydon’s Labour Councillors are celebrating the successful outcome of the community backed campaign to save four of Croydon’s popular Schools from the Tory Council’s plan to axe them. The Tory Council had already closed Tollgate primary and Selhurst Community schools last year.

Cllr Tony Newman said:
“Having always put the Education needs of Croydon pupils first this must be good news, however, this total capitulation by Croydon Tories is long overdue. What we cannot tell is how much long term damage has already been done.

Croydon Labour: Council should stimulate local economy too

Croydon’s Labour Councillors are calling on the Conservative Council to follow the example shown by the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, during the current global banking and credit crisis; they believe that similar measures to those being taken by the Government are needed to support the local economy in Croydon.

This should be achieved by introducing an immediate and dramatic change in the priorities of the local multi million pound LEGI (local enterprise growth initiative) programme. Funding of £28 million was awarded to the borough in early 2006 to promote and support businesses in the Borough.

Councillor George Ayres, Labour Spokesperson for Planning and Regeneration outlined Labour’s proposals for Croydon and said:

“Economic priorities have changed radically over the last few days. The emphasis must be to support our existing businesses and employers and to help them through this difficult time.”