PROTECT Doug Thorpe In Haringey Respect stood two candidates in each of two lottennam wards; West Green and St Anne's. There was a vigorous campaign with each ward being canvassed at least once, and three leaflets ana a postcara deliverea lo each household.
About 80 members and supporters were active in campaigning. Canvass returns indicated support at about 22%.
On the day, polling stations were covered for most of the day and indications were that our vote was up on previous campaigns (GLA and General
But the anticipated breakthrough did not materialise. Respect candidates polled a respectable 500-600 votes, in second place ahead of the Bury in Lancashire saw the Labour Group lose its overall majority for the first time in twenty years after a vigorous campaign by Save our School candidates cost three seats. The Liberal Democrats, who also strongly oppose the school closures, hold the balance of power on the council.
1250 voters across six wards backed the campaign against school closures by voting for the six parents standing - not bad for a campaign that has only been going a matter of weeks.
The campaign has already forced the Labour council to delay the final decision on closure until after the local elections. The decision to stand candidates tollowed a 700-strong march of children, parents and teachers against the proposed closure of Prestwich Arts College and the merger of Broad Oak and Derby High Schools.
None of these are failing schools, though all have high proportions of ethnic minority pupils and serve the areas of highest social deprivation in the borough. Falling rolls should be used as an opportunity to bring in smaller classes which can better meet the educational needs of every child.
The attempts of Bury South MP Ivan Lewis to spread lies about the campaign, and of the official union structures of both NUT and NASUWT to ignore it has not daunted campaigners. Weekly campaign meetings are attended by 40-50
School closures were clearly the dominant issue in this election and the electorate delivered a clear verdict against them. The campaign will be straining every muscle to make sure the Schools Organisation sub-committee keeps our schools open. Send messages of support to [email protected] and copy to [email protected] • Send cheques payable to Bury Save our Schools to Tracey Paul, 9 Monica Ave, Higher Crumpsall, M8 4LJ