SINCE the proposal to shut down Handley Hill Primary School was announced in summer 2007, campaigners have fought tooth and nail to keep it open.
The school, off Beeston Drive, Winsford, was earmarked for closure as part of Cheshire County Council’s controversial Transforming Learning Communities (TLC) review.
The announcement provoked a fierce backlash from teachers, parents and local councillors.
Handley Hill’s future is still in the balance, and a final decision is expected by the end of month.
An official complaint about the procedures leading to the decision to close the school was made by campaigners to the Local Government Ombudsman.
Whatever the outcome, those fighting for the school’s cause have reason to be proud of their efforts.
Chairman of governors, Betty Cleary, says: “Nobody can say we haven’t done all we can!”
She says the school has served the town for several generations – and she hopes it is still open when the current crop of pupils have children of their own!
Former pupils, now parents themselves, are among the 3,000 people who have signed a petition to education chiefs, pleading with them to shelve the plans.
Cllr Charlie Parkinson said: “A lot of people are rooting for it to stay open.”
Handley Hill has a special place in the hearts of anyone connected with it – and that special bond with the community it serves has earned it our nomination as the Champion School of the Year.
