North Tyneside Council has announced a £100,000 fund to help widen access to outdoor education as it prepares to close High Borrans outdoor education centre. Campaigners have criticised the investment as a "drop in the ocean."
Petition and Council Response
A full council meeting saw the authority "note" a petition with over 2,000 signatures calling for a six-month pause on the closure. The petition was presented by the Friends of High Borrans, who have campaigned since June to find an alternative to the council's decision to cease operating the centre.
The Labour administration defended its position, citing the building's £3m maintenance bill, rising running costs, and the subsidising of placements, many of which are not reserved for North Tyneside children. Campaigners dispute these figures.
Cabinet Member's Statement
Coun Tracy Hallway, cabinet member for education, inclusion, employment, and skills, said: "At the same time, many children from the poorest families miss out on residential outdoor education altogether because their families simply cannot afford it. There is nothing progressive about borrowing millions for a loss-making building while children from poorer families cannot take part."
Hallway added: "A Labour council has asked not only how we preserve an institution but how we extend opportunity to those currently excluded from it." She announced the £100,000 investment to help children whose families cannot currently afford outdoor education trips.
Campaigner Reaction
In response, High Borrans volunteer and campaigner Dan Dembry-Edwards said: "This £100,000, if there are that many families in this borough that cannot afford it, that's nothing, it is a drop in the ocean. It won't help anything."
