Culcheth Sixth Form decision to be called in

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WARRINGTON Borough Council’s decision to support the closure of Culcheth Sixth Form is to be “called in” for further scrutiny.
Following the Executive Board’s decision to support the Governing Body in their plans to end post-16 provision in Culcheth, councillors from all three political groups have referred the matter to the Council’s influential Scrutiny committee.
The “call-in” is led by Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft councillor Chirs Vobe (pictured right) and has been supported by 15 other members of the Council – the highest number of elected members to sign a “call-in” in recent years – including fellow Culcheth councillor Matt Smith and all three councillors from neighbouring Rixton and Woolston.
In a document submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s solicitor, Cllr Vobe gave three reasons why support for the Governing Body’s decision deserves further scrutiny.
He states that professional advice has not been given due consideration; that the decision lacks clarity of aims and desired outcomes; and that alternative options and their likely effects on the social, economic and environmental well-being of the Borough have not been considered. Cllr Vobe and Cllr Smith believe that pursuing the closure of post-16 provision conflicts with the Council’s policies of both “building stronger communities” and “protecting the most vulnerable”.
The matter will now be heard in a public Scrutiny meeting, where Cllr Vobe will present the case on behalf of the 15 councillors who have signed the “call-in” and residents in the affected communities.
Cllr Vobe said:“Scrutiny is an important part of our Council’s democratic process, as it allows elected councillors a further opportunity to consider issues after the Council’s Executive Board has made a decision, and for those who represent a given area to present an alternative view point on behalf of their community.
“In this case, I have carefully considered the documents presented to the Executive Board and the issues raised by the Governing Body of Culcheth High School. I believe that there are a number of important points which need greater consideration and, to that end, I have initiated this “call in”. I am pleased that it has been counter-signed by 15 other councillors, from across all three political parties.
“Matt Smith and I will use the scrutiny process to present a comprehensive case in support of residents throughout Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft, and press for post-16 provision to be retained in our village.”
Meanwhile Cllr Vobe is urging those who signed the “Save Culcheth Sixth Form” petition to attend the meeting, which is open to any member of the public and has pledged to provide details of the date, time and venue when they are confirmed.


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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