LIB DEMS CALL FOR ACADEMY U-TURN ON EVE OF STRIKE

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th May 2009

Lib Dem Councillor Carol Woods has written to the Leader of Durham County Council asking him to rethink the decision to build an Academy in Durham after the Prime Minister unveiled plans to give parents more power over local schools.

The plea from Carol comes on the eve of a strike by teachers at Belmont School in protest at the plans.

Carol said, "Gordon Brown has called for reform which would give parents a bigger say in local schools and I think Durham County Council should lead the way on this and scrap their plans for an Academy in Durham.

"It has been clear from the outset that parents, as well as pupils and staff, are opposed to this Academy, so the Council should follow the Prime Minister's advice and listen to them.

"The staff at Belmont School feel so angered by the plans to close their school that they are taking industrial action tomorrow. I am sure it is not a decision they have taken lightly but such is the frustration at the Council's unwillingness to listen, they clearly feel they have no other option.

"My letter to Council Leader Simon Henig makes clear that it is not too late to see sense and save these schools. It is the right thing to do - investment in these schools should not be dependent on them selling off control to become an Academy."