I AM writing to you to express my grave concern at the possible closure of Elwick Hall Church of England School as part of Hartlepool Borough Council's involvement in the Government's Primary Capital Programme.
It is a popular, oversubscribed school with a proven track record of academic success, providing a supportive, nurturing environment for all its pupils.
To close it would tear the heart out of Elwick village and village children would no longer h
ave a school in walking distance.
This would involve children as young as three being driven to other schools with all the extra cost and traffic congestion this would provoke.
As I understand it, closure of popular, successful, rural schools is against government guidelines.
Elwick Hall Church of England Primary School is a successful faith school with high academic and social standards.
It welcomes all pupils irrespective of their religious beliefs and gives them a secure environment in which to fulfil their potential.
To close such a school would go against current government policy of promoting faith schools and would seriously restrict parental choice.
I would urge you to do all you can to ensure the survival of Elwick School and Elwick village life.
Jean Taylor,
Hillcrest Grove,
Elwick,
Hartlepool.
The full article contains 209 words and appears in Hartlepool Mail newspaper.
