Reading Liberal Democrats

Outraged, steamrollered, wrong decision, devastating effect, insult, stage-managed, a sham, a disgrace, and a waste of taxpayers’ money for political reasons – just a few of the (printable) reactions to Wokingham Tories decision to close Ryeish Green School!

Wokingham Liberal Democrats are outraged at the way the Tories have steamrollered through plans to close Ryeish Green School. At Wokingham Borough Council last night, the Tory Executive confirmed their decision to close the school.

Councillor Prue Bray (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Councillor Group and Councillor for Winnersh ward) said, “This is the wrong decision, made in the wrong way, by a Tory Executive who don’t seem to care about the devastating effect they are having on people’s lives.

“The Tories delayed the decision until after the election to avoid losing a Council seat, and then voted for the closure without even having a proper discussion about it. A few of the Tory Executive members read out pre-prepared questions and the Leader of the Council responded by reading out from a crib sheet. It was an insult to all the people who have campaigned so hard for Ryeish Green School, many of whom were there and had to sit through this stage-managed performance.

“I am very angry that the Tories have made this decision while discussions on rescuing the school are underway between Ryeish Green School and CfBT, an international education trust. It’s as if the Tories are determined to squash any chance the school has of surviving.”

Gareth Epps, Liberal Democrat prospective Parliamentary candidate for Reading East commented

“Wokingham Executive’s vote on 31 May to close Ryeish Green School is a decision that is a slap in the face for my constituents and for education in our part of Berkshire. It deliberately removes choice for parents and pupils – and goes against population trends and educational good sense.”

“What breathtaking cynicism for Frank Browne and Wokingham’s Tories to delay the decision until after the May election! The so-called second consultation was a sham, a disgrace and a waste of taxpayers’ money for political reasons. This is straight out of the Shirley Porter School of Politics.”

“Noticeably absent was the voice of Reading’s Labour council in representing its constituents.”

Editor’s note

The Tory timetable to close Ryeish Green School includes a six-week objection period, ending on 26th July, and the final rubber-stamping will take place at a Tory Executive meeting on 17th August, in the middle of the summer holidays.