hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

The future of three primary schools facing possible closure was up for discussion at Medway Council’s cabinet meeting today but sadly for hundreds of parents and staff packing the chamber it was a foregone conclusion.

Ridge Meadow Primary School, St Peter’s Infant School and St John’s Infant School all face the axe under plans by Medway Council to transform primary education in the Towns with £11m government funding.

Any hope that councillors would take note of the dozens of placards, banners and protest songs as they made their way into the St George's Centre, Chatham was dashed as they decided to press ahead with six weeks of consultation. Press releases given to journalists announcing the decision were given out before the meeting began.

The process will start on June 10 for those schools facing possible closure. A separate first round of consultation on merger/new build plans for Delce Infant and Junior; Twydall Infant and Junior; St Nicholas and All Faith's; and Luton Infant and Junior will begin on June 10 and run until July 8.

Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con), deputy leader of Medway Council, said: "Doing nothing is not an option. The government have decreed we do something.

"They have set out agreed guidelines. I welcome the emails and letters I have received but you might be better taking your lobbying to the government itself.

"We are here to do our best for the people of Medway."

His comments were met by cries of "rubbish" from the public gallery and chants of "Save St Peter's; Save St John's; Save Ridge Meadow."

Campaigners had hoped members would throw the plans out in the wake of substantial public opposition.
The plans have caused such upset and fury that school governors gave St Peter’s school permission to close at 1.30pm so everyone could attend the protest and meeting.
St John’s allowed parents to collect their children early while staff at Ridge Meadow agreed to run a creche service at the end of the school day for pupils and their siblings so parents can attend.
Travelmasters coach company, which is based in Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey, took campaigners from St Peter’s school by coach to the St George’s Centre for free.
See Friday's Medway Messenger for full coverage of the meeting at the latest on the campaign.