United parents have vowed to withhold council tax as part of a desperate attempt to secure school places for their children.
At a heated public meeting, parents threatened direct action as they rallied behind one angry mother who insisted: "If we hit them where it hurts - with the money - then they will listen."
Angry - parents pack the hall at the meeting Picture: JAMES REINL
More than 40 children have been refused places at Great Berry Primary School in Langdon Hills.
The mother told the public meeting, attended by Basildon MP Angela Smith: "We have to stand together and take money out of our council tax. If we all do that and stick together then we will achieve more than just talking to the county council."
Campaigners still smarting from "the bruises" of wrangles with education officials four years ago advised parents of children who have been declined places from their primary school.
Education campaigner Derrick Fellowes said: "The way they got their children into schools back then was by dogged determination. They were fighting for their children's education." Other proposals from the angry crowed included bombarding County Hall with e-mail messages and protesting on councillors' doorsteps.
Although not at the meeting, Iris Pummell, the county's portfolio holder for education, hit back saying there was enough space in Langdon Hills' three schools for all the children.
"We did promise them that and within these schools there are enough places. Now it will go through to the appeals process," said Mrs Pummell.
Published Monday, May 19, 2003
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