NEWS RELEASE

PR 1745

For Immediate Release                                      

25 May 2004

New school for Keynsham - we want to hear your views

BATH & North East Somerset Council is holding a public meeting on Thursday, May27 to discuss the idea of building a new primary school in Keynsham at 6.30pm-8pm at Broadlands School.

The meeting follows a decision made in principle by the Council to close Keynsham and Temple Primary School and replace them with a new building at either Kelston Road or St John’s Court.

The decision follows a review of primary school education in the area which revealed that Keynsham Primary School had a large number of empty places and Temple, whilst having far fewer empty places, is located in old buildings on two separate sites.

A consultation exercise conducted in February and March 2004 showed there was significant support for the closure of both the existing schools and the creation of a brand new one but views differed as to which location would be the best for the new school.

At the meeting on May 27, local people will be able to put their views forward and take part in a discussion about the benefits and possible disadvantages of each site.

In addition to this meeting for the wider community, consultation exercises are also being held for the staff, governors and parents of children at Keynsham Primary School on Tuesday, June 8 and at Temple Primary School on Wednesday, June 9.

If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to put your views forward, please contact Tony Parker, Acting Head of Strategic Services for the Council’s Education Department at Riverside, Temple Street, Keynsham, BS31 1DN or call 01225 394211.

For more information, contact:

Tony Parker, Acting Head of Strategic Services - Education, on Tel: 01225 394211 or e-mail tony_parker@bathnes.gov.uk

Bruce Austen, School Organisation Manager, on Tel: 01225 395169 or e-mail bruce_austen@bathnes.gov.uk

For comment, contact:

Cllr Jonathan Gay, Executive Member for Education, on Tel: 07974 009589 or e-mail jonathan_gay@bathnes.gov.uk

Issued by: Bath & North East Somerset Press Office, tel 01225 477827 or 477283, email: pressoffice@bathnes.gov.uk