The announcement of a school in Wigan closing has caused uproar amongst residents. Abram Bryn Gates Primary School will close on August 31, 2023, “in the best interests of educational provision in the Abram area”, Wigan Council’s cabinet announced.
The Lily Lane based site was projected to be half-a-million pounds in debt by the 2024/2025 school year, which proved one of the biggest reasons for closure. Council officers have used projection data to see that there will not be a large enough rise in demand for places that cannot be tackled by other schools in the area - despite what objectors say.
There are eight housing developments currently under construction in the area, but the council say none would need enough student places for the school to remain open.
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There are currently no plans to replace the school - which means the number of schools in the area will be cut from four to three. The council said that "efforts will be made" to help siblings currently attending Abram Bryn Gates move to the same school to avoid them being split up.
The following primary schools are within a two-mile walking distance:
▪ Holy Family Catholic Primary School
▪ St John’s Church of England Primary School
▪ Platt Bridge Community School
▪ St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School
▪ St Mary’s CE Primary School
But the reaction has sparked anger online, with readers hitting out at the decision.
Ede Jones said: “A school that's been part of our community for decades, shame on you councillors. When everyone learns the lesson that you can't eat money then it will be too late there will be nothing left.” Mark Harris claimed the council wanted to just sell the land, adding: “Not many children at infant school will walk two miles to school so forcing parents to drive them everyday is not good for clean air commitments.”
While Denize Orlik said: “Close schools and create bigger classes in other schools. Less and less individual attention for children who need it. Saving money at the expense of children's education. Wigan Council must be raking it in with all the new housing being built in every small place they can. Meanwhile more people are crammed together.”
Marie Spiers added: “This is a well loved happy school, both my now adult kids attended. They have always been inclusive too - even before it became compulsory. This is a huge loss to the surrounding area.”
And Joy Mill Thompson agreed, commenting: “This is so sad. It’s a wonderful little school. Recently improved building works completed, plus the birth rate is low in the whole area - it picks back up, that’s life!” While Margaret Meadows said: “The parents fought hard to keep this school open. A crying shame they were let down by this council. Money won the day.”
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