Birkdale Councillor ‘less than impressed’ by Council over proposed school closure

Birkdale Lib Dem Councillor Iain Brodie Browne has said he is “less than impressed” by Sefton Council’s approach to the proposed closure of St Teresa’s Nursery and Infant school on Everton Road, Birkdale.

“I am particularly concerned that the public has got only half the story”.

“The Governors of the school have been working flat out to make it viable. For example, they wanted to turn the school into a small ‘infant and junior’ school, with nursery, serving the Birkdale village area.

“Along with other Birkdale and Kew councillors, I was briefed about the plans at the school in June. There was support for that plan from many of the councillors there.”

Cllr Brodie-Browne added “The governors clearly wanted to go out to consultation on their plan but were not given any encouragement by the Council or the Catholic Archdiocese to do so.  I am disturbed that key decision-makers did not visit the school at this crucial time despite being asked to do so.

“Looking back you’d be pushed to identify any way in which Sefton Council has tried to help this lovely little school. I do not believe they recognise what a precious and rare asset it is to have excellent nursery provision and a school in the heart of Birkdale Village.

“In the face of indifference – or worse from Sefton Council – the School Governors had nowhere to go, but let’s not pretend that everyone thinks that ending 100 years of education on this site is the only possible outcome.”