Bemusement as Reform County Council shuts down local school

Despite the heavy protestations of local MP Manuela Perteghella, County Councillor James Norris, Liberal Democrat District Councillors and many local residents, the Reform-led Warwickshire County Council has confirmed that they are set to close Great Alne Primary School on 31st August 2026.

This is a terrible blow for the local community, with all other primary schools in the Alcester area already full so unable to take on transferred children. This is as well as all teachers and other staff being made redundant, a heavy and unnecessary blow to local employment.

County Councillor for Alcester, James Norris, said “This is an unbelievable blow to our local community. What is the Reform council thinking to close a local school? This goes to show how recklessly they are treating our communities at the County Council, being more caught up with the drama surrounding their leader rather than actually delivering for residents. The Conservatives can also not be shifted from the blame, as they are keeping this Reform administration that is mistreating our local communities in power."

“The local Lib Dem team and I will now fight to make sure that the local children being relocated have as seamless a transition as possible, such as making sure local bus services to alternative schools are running on time. This is as well as putting pressure on the County Council to ensure that the site is retained for educational purposes and not abandoned or sold off for development. As usual, we are having to pick up the pieces of the dodgy decisions being made at the Reform County Council.”