Cllr Justin Tomlinson Speaking At The Recent Public Meeting
Schools Adjudicator Feedback
Every single email and letter that has been sent to me has been passed onto the Schools Adjudicator.
I can confirm that, at this stage, 100% of those sent both to myself and Gareth Cheal (Swindon Borough Council) have backed the Swindon Council Community School bid.
The deadline for feedback is January 5th, so please do encourage all your neighbours and friends to fill in our online form as soon as possible. Remember the Al Habid group claimed they could get 3000 people to respond supporting their bid.
Send in your feedback via: http://www.abbeymeadsintouch.com/page/15/
Cllr Rod Bluh Backs Campaign
I am delighted to confirm Cllr Rod Bluh (Conservative, Dorcan Ward), Leader of Swindon Borough Council has given us his 100% support. His support will be added to the feedback process.
Labour Failing Local Residents
Until now I have chosen to ignore the lack of attention from Labour on this issue. However following their recent mailer to local residents, it's now time to respond.
A number of local residents have asked me what the position of the Labour Party is on this crucial issue.
It is the Labour Government who created the competition processs.
We (Swindon Borough Council) specifically asked the local Labour MP and the Labour Government to exempt PS7 from this process. They did not allow this exception.
The Labour MP did not attend the public meeting. As a local resident myself I am always on hand to stand up and be counted.
The Labour MP has refused to support the Swindon Council Community School bid in the local media. No doubt worried what residents outside of Oakhurst would think?
Labour sent two Councillors to the Public Meeting - Cllr Montaut & Cllr Ali, both Central Ward Councillors. They have also refused to back the Swindon Council Community School bid.
In the recent Labour mailing, it is an utter disgrace that the Labour MP, in desperation, would imply that the Council created this competition process. Why would the Council create competition against itself?! He should stop making excuses and shifting the blame, and get on with representing local residents.
If he won't, I will.
Final Decision
We are due to receive a final decision in January or February. We (Swindon Borough Council) have asked for as swift a response as possible to allow time for parents to adjust their school admission preferences before the February deadline.
Thank You
Finally a BIG thank you to all the local residents who have supported this campaign. Between us we have flooded the Schools Adjudicator with feedback, packed the public meeting and exposed the lack of support and preparation of the rival bid.
This coordinated action will have put us in as strong a position as possible.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me, I am here to help.