"Close Reigate Priory School" says Tory Councillor.

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th May 2004

Reigate & Banstead Conservative Councillor David Pay submitted the following question for the Council meeting on Thursday 20th May at the Town Hall.

"The Reigate Priory belongs to this Borough and its residents, being one of our prime architectural jewels and listed Grade One. The Reigate Priory School is a tenant, no more than that. I would like to know this Council's position regarding the planning application put forward by the School Authority for the complete closure and denial of access in the ALLEGED interest of safety of pupils when the Heritage Lottery Bid is dependant upon the building being accessible, as well as the Reigate Priory Museum. In my opinion Mr. Mayor this application makes an excellent case for the School's closure on those premises".

Liberal Democrat Cllr. Steve Kulka and school governor said "The issues here are the safety of the children and of the school building. The school plans to close the gates to it's playground while the children are at play and at night. Some members of the public seem to feel that they have the right to wander through the school grounds at any time of the day or night, regardless of the fact that this is a working school. This is not a public right of way. This results in unacceptable risks to the children and constant damage to the building. No other school allows public access without being properly monitored. Access to the Reigate Priory Museum will not be affected.

To suggest closing the school because some people may want to view the building is absolutely ridiculous. Everyone I have spoken to about this cannot believe it. It shows where Conservative priorities lie".

Visit the school website : http://www.reigatepriory.ik.org/