A DECISION is due on whether to issue closure notices for two Ellesmere Port high schools, with most people opposed to the plan.
Cheshire West and Chester Council’s executive will meet today to decide whether to back the proposal to axe Cheshire Oaks High and EPSSPA, and replace them with an academy.
Of those who took part in the formal consultation, which had to be restarted after some of the 10,000 forms were not received, the majority are against the closures.
A total of 71 out of 95 responses were opposed, while 24 were supportive.
During the two consultation events held at the schools around 100 people attended.
A petition signed by 94 people opposing the academy plan was handed in by campaign group, Keep Ellesmere Port Schools.
A council report recommending the approval of closure notices said: “This project has now reached a crucial stage. Following consultations, there continue to be strong arguments in favour of progressing.
“If the decision to authorise the publication of notices is not made now, there is a risk that the timescale will slip and the possibility of opening in September 2009 will be lost, causing a delay in taking forward improvements and prolonging the period of uncertainty.
“It is important to move quickly to continue improving the standard outcomes for children and young people in Ellesmere Port as soon as possible.”
If the academy gets the go-ahead it will operate on the two school sites until the new buildings are ready.
To provide a central location, the academy could be based on land adjacent to West Cheshire College. The council is in talks with the landowners over the possibility of buying the site.
