THROUGH the Review I would like to ask Forest of Dean Labour councillors to tell the people why they voted to close Oakdene and Dean Hall schools. They both need to be there for the children.
Parents, children and teachers need to know they have support from their local and county councillors.
We would like to know why these people are ignoring the views of nearly 11,000 people who signed petitions showing their anger at the closure of both schools. Shire Hall cannot get away with this.
Next time it may be a mainstream school they pick on. Perhaps one day, like my wife and I, they may need the help and expertise special schools give and that help is brilliant.
I would urge every parent, teacher, governor, carer and helper to get behind these schools and show Shire Hall and our local and county councillors that they should listen to people who have had first hand experience with special needs children and keep them where they are.
Perhaps they should visit the two schools and see what wonderful work is done. They would then feel differently about closing them. – Alan Bowkett (parent), Cinderford.