THE sponsors of the proposed academy in Winsford, E-ACT, held a consultation evening last week for parents of pupils at Woodford Lodge High School.

Representatives from the educational charitable trust were on hand to provide information to the communtiy on the current plans to change secondary education in the town.

The proposed academy will replace the existing Woodford Lodge and Verdin High School from September this year, after an alarming number of empty desks at both schools makes them no longer viable.

Tom Scott, E-ACT Director of Operations, said: “E-ACT understands that people may have concerns regarding the the proposed changes for the provision of secondary education in Winsford and we are delighted to be able to have the opportunity to address some of these issues face-to-face with the people directly affectd by the current proposals.

“E-ACT is committed to providing educational excellence for all and has spent a lot of time looking at all the available possibilities to provide an outstanding facility for Winsford’s young people.”

However, parents and councillors have critised the way the plans have been carried out after E-ACT was prevented from providing information by regulations governing publicity about anything considered political during the General Election.

Martin Howlett, Headteacher Winsford High School Federation said: “There were obviously concerns that were put forward in the public airing but afterwards there was a general feeling of positivity. It’s important to rember that we remeber that people don’t always like change.”

Parents of Verdin High School pupils will have their chance to meet the sponsors at a second meeting at the school on Wednesday, June 7 from 6pm. The E-ACT consultation will end on July 2.

A consultation document is available from both schools which contains a pre-paid response form and members of the public can access information and comment on the plans via the link below.