To visit the Fighting for Fort Campaign Website, click the picture.

Mark is strongly opposing the closure of Fort Primary School as part of a merger with Trinity Primary School.

He said:

"The closure of Fort Primary School would be bad for both Fort and Trinity Primary Schools. The proposal fails to recognise the particular needs of the Fort community and does not take account of future population trends in the area.

"Although Fort House is due to be demolished, most residents are likely to be rehoused in new housing developments locally, and there are plans for many more housing developments in the area.

"Moreover, I do not believe that Trinity Primary School would be able to cope with the numbers that it would be required to accept as a result of the closure of Fort Primary School.

"In addition, the plans envisage that most savings would come from staffing cuts, which would put further pressure on other local schools, including of course staff and pupils alike.

"As a Member of Parliament I do not of course have any role in the decision about this proposal; ultimately it will be a decision for the City Councillors, particularly the Lib Dem/SNP coalition which currently runs the City Council. However, I will certainly make clear my opposition to the proposed closure to the local councillors, of all parties.

"I am also happy to work with parents and staff at both Fort and Trinity Primary Schools to do what I can to ensure this proposed closure and merger does not go ahead.

"I was shocked at the news about the allocation of the head of Trinity Primary to Fort.  It certainly seems to suggest that the consultation process is being pre-empted.  Nevertheless I hope that parents continue to press the Council, and the local councillors, on the issue.  They should be left in no doubt of the strength of public opinion on this issue."

For more information on the campaign against closure, contact Vikki Spence of Fort Primary Parent Council on 07971 987 094.

For a report of a recent meeting on the future of Royston Primary School which is also threatened with closure click here.