When the closure of three schools in Medway was first proposed, a timeline was set out in the consultation documents, showing how the issue would be dealt with.  The Conservative administration promised that that the consultation was genuine, and that people’s views would be taken on board, as is required by law.
These promises have been shown to be entirely hollow.  Despite the fact that thousands of people called for St John’s and Ridge Meadow to remain open- and only three agreed with the proposal- the Conservative administration voted to close them at Cabinet.
The timetables that would have given residents and councillors more time to express their views through Scrutiny were disregarded, so that the Tories could rush the decision through as a matter of political expediency. 
When the decision was called in to Scrutiny all members voted to refer St John’s back to Cabinet, but the Tories voted to support the closure of Ridge Meadow.  As a result, St. John’s parents, pupils and staff have been left uncertain about their future and the whole process is in a mess. Referring the matter to Scrutiny, before the Cabinet decision, as they had promised, would have avoided such a situation. 
I am pleased that the Tories saw some sense and kept St. Peter’s open, but St. John’s and Ridge Meadow have just as strong cases.  St. John’s is similar to St Peter’s, in size, pupil numbers, results and OFSTED reports, and Ridge Meadow is an all-through primary school, which is the type of school that the Tories have stated they want.  All three schools enjoy a huge level of support from parents and the local community.
The events of the past few weeks have also laid bare the Conservatives’ claims that they were being forced into closing schools by the Government.  The fact that they are planning to close one, are still debating the future of another, and keep another open, demonstrates that the decision was always theirs locally.
The Tories latest sham consultation has unnecessarily left hundreds of parents and pupils desperately concerned about the future.