A decision has been taken to close a popular school for children with moderate learning difficulties from across Tendring.

The Leas will shut unless parents can force a U-turn.

Iris Pummell, Essex County Council's cabinet member for education, has approved statutory notices to be published to shut down The Leas in Leas Road, Clacton, from August 2005

But Paul Honeywood, chairman of the Leas Parents' Group, which was formed to oppose the move, said this was just the beginning of the fight.

"We started with a committee of six and it has now grown to 14," he said.

"More people are getting on board. We will not be giving up and we have plenty of support."

If the Leas School does close, youngsters will get the choice to go to either the Windsor School for pupils with severe learning difficulties, which will become a new model special school, or Bishops Park College.

Published Tuesday January 20, 2004

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