By Hayley Robinson

hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

A letter of complaint has been sent by Jonathan Shaw to Medway Council’s chief executive about plans to transform primary education in the Towns.

The Chatham and Aylesford MP sent the letter to Neil Davies after parents, governors and the heads of both St John’s and Ridge Meadow school lodged an official complaint about the consultation process going ahead despite strong opposition.

In the letter Mr Shaw raises concerns over the council's schools admissions team failing to tell parents about the schools when enquiring about schools in the area.

He also expresses his disappontment at consultaiton documents only being sent to Ridge Meadow Primary School yesterday when a meeting to discuss the proposal is set to take place at the school tonight.

The letter reads: "Ridge Meadow School only received the consultation document today (Tuesday, June 16), thus allowing limited opportunity for the school and parents to digest the information. I am aware that the documentation does not need to be available at the beginning of the consultation but should be presented at a reasonable time. This begs the question – is one day prior to the public meeting which has so much public interest a reasonable and acceptable time frame?"

He adds: "I can fully understand why so many people are telling me they have no confidence in this process.

"I would urge you to fully investigate my constituents’ concerns and I request detailed reassurances from you that the consultation process is clear and accountable, but that above all it will take in account the views of parents, teachers and the wider community

"I can also confirm that I will be replying to the Council’s Consultation for both schools and submitting my objections to the plans to close either of these good, community based schools."