Probably the most significant issue this year in Medway has been education.  Millions of pounds has been invested in local schools by the Labour Government, but there have been decisions by Medway Council that have caused thousands of people to protest.
The Academy programme has made progress.  Strood Academy opened its doors in September; the Gillingham and Chatham academies will be opening next year, and each one has been created through £25 million of Government investment. I hope that any initial problems at Strood are overcome, providing the Council keeps its promises to parents.
For primary schools, it has been a sad year.  The original schools’ organisation plan was so poorly written it was rejected, and had to be re-drafted.  As usual, no consultation was undertaken, and then Headteachers and Chairs of Governors were briefed in secret about the proposals.
There was uproar when the information became public, as schools across the borough faced mergers and closure.
Of the three schools that were to be closed, one was reprieved, one is set to be closed, and the future of one is still uncertain going into 2010, facing another round of consultation because of a lack of any coherent policy by the Tory administration.
Consequently, this year has been very distressing for the hundreds of families, pupils and staff.  What should have been a real benefit - £11 million of Government investment to improve primary education - has been so badly managed by the Council it has caused massive anger and upset.
To finish the year, Medway came near the bottom in the country for its primary school results.  As usual, the Tories refused to take responsibility.  Senior officers had to speak to the press to deliver the bad news, and, during a recent meeting, the portfolio holder blamed school governors for the results.
With £90 million being spent by the Government improving our schools, 2009 should have been an outstanding year for education in Medway.  Instead, thanks to the Conservatives, it’s been a year of upheaval and distress.
Lets all hope they do a lot better next year.