Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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Local MP in fight to save school
Newlands School in Seaford announced on Monday that it was to close with immediate effect due to financial difficulties. Efforts to organise a takeover by schools group Cognita appear to have foundered. Some 500 pupils, many of whom are facing exams in the next six weeks, are now seeking other schools.
Commenting on the sudden closure Norman said:
"Newlands has been as asset to Seaford for 150 years and I am trying even at this late stage to save it. To think it can close over night and throw 500 pupils and 200 staff onto the scrap heap is unbelievable. I have been in touch with the governors and with Cognita and I have also spoken to the family who owns the land and offered to act as an intermediary to find a way forward."
But he added:
"The family is at the moment not prepared to reassign the lease on the land to another company. If it did the school could continue. I have also made it plain to the family that if there was any suggestion that the land should be developed into housing I would fight it tooth and nail as well and I would think they would find a majority of the people in Seaford would agree with me on that. Some of the trees are protected and the district council has got a planning policy to protect playing fields, whether or not they are on private land."