News from Croydon Labour

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.

“These are questions that must now be answered:

* Why were a series of ideas that appeared to have been pulled out of a hat used for the now totally discredited, so called consultation? A process that has only caused chaos, anxiety and uncertainty for both parents and children alike.

* How much taxpayer’s money has been spent on expensive and discredited consultants?

* Will Cllr Fisher be offering a formal apology for the anxiety and confusion this discredited process has caused so many?”

New Addington Councillor, George Ayres added:

“This is a triumph for the people of New Addington and our pupils at Addington High along with staff must take the real credit for the dramatic improvements in exam results and value added at the School in the last few years.

“I would like to thank the media who did so much to highlight our campaign along with others such as our independent MP Andrew Pelling, Councillor Gerry Ryan and my colleagues, the other Councillors who represent Fieldway and New Addington. But most importantly, I’d like to thank all those pupils who marched on the Town Hall on that hot summer’s night back in July.”

Labour’s Education Spokesperson Louisa Woodley added:
“Having overseen this debacle and refused to attend any of the public meetings at all over the last six months, Councillor Maria Gatland’s position is surely now untenable and if she wants to preserve any dignity at all she must resign immediately.”

Other news from Croydon Labour

• Tories clap and cheer as Croydon slashes services - 8 March 2011
• "Black History Month is a left wing vanity project" claims Croydon Tory - 18 November 2010
• Croydon Conservatives target Timebridge Youth Centre for closure - 11 November 2010