Royal Park School loses fight against Closure

12.00.00am GMT Wed 7th Jan 2004

Royal Park School has lost its long fight against closure. Today the Schools Organisation Committee - the final decision making body - voted to close the school from July 2004

Commenting on the decision local Councillor, David Morton (Lib Dem, Headingley) said. "This is very sad news. The school was within budget, had excellent teaching and was the heart of the Hyde Park Community. Closure makes a mockery of Labour claims to be regenerating inner city areas. The campaign against closure has been brilliant."

"Regrettably we now have to turn to safeguarding the building for community use" said Cllr Morton

Ward Colleague Cllr Martin Hamilton ( Lib Dem, Headingley) added "If we can't save the school then we must save the building. We can't allow it to be flogged off to a local landlord. I'm pleased the council have agreed to our suggestion of using it as a venue for community facilities and council services. We will be holding them to that promise".