by Hayley Robinson

hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Parents angry at plans to shut a Medway school have taken their fight to the very top.

Around 20 parents from St John’s Infant School in Chatham made a trip to 10 Downing Street and Westminister on Tuesday where they handed over a petition signed by thousands of people opposing Medway Council’s proposal to close the school.

Sam Whittington, lead campaigner and a parent of a pupil at the school, said: "The Overview and Scrutiny meeting was a sham with a predetermined outcome.

"We are extremely unhappy with the result but we will continue the fight. We maybe a small school but we have a big voice and we will be heard."

Jonathan Shaw, MP for Chatham and Aylesford accompanied the parents on their trip.

He said: "I feel that a petition with over 4,000 signatures sends a clear message that people are not satisfied with the process and the decision taken by Medway Council.

"The proposals are a cynical exercise in deliberately ignoring the weight of public discontent and resentment.

"The Government is giving Medway £11 million as part of the Primary Strategy. The money should be used to improve good schools and enhance parental choice. The proposed closures directly contradict these aims. St John’s and the other local schools’ threatened with closure have strong leadership and management. We must fight to save the schools."

People can register their support for the two Chatham schools threatened by closure by visiting www.jonathanshaw.org.uk and clicking on ‘Save St. John’s School’ or ‘Save Ridge Meadow School.’