Campaigners have urged the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (NEMSA) to intervene with an "emergency" approach to halt the closure and potential sale of High Borrans Outdoor Education Centre for at least six months.
In a letter to the NEMSA cabinet, made up of leaders from the seven regional local authorities, activists behind the Save High Borrans Campaign argue that the extension would allow alternatives for the centre to be explored. The appeal comes as the November closure of North Tyneside Council's Cumbria-based outdoor education centre draws closer.
Council's decision and campaign response
In July, the Local Democracy Reporting Service first reported North Tyneside Council's decision to close the centre, citing a £3m maintenance bill and declining school attendance as major reasons the site was no longer viable. Since then, the decision has sparked public and political outcry, prompting petitions, protests, and even consideration of legal challenges.
The local authority has rejected previous calls to grant the site another six months of operation, despite a petition with over 2,000 signatures urging the move.
Campaign letter to NEMSA cabinet
The Save High Borrans Campaign letter reads: "North Tyneside has taken the decision to close and sell off the High Borrans Outdoor Education Centre this November. We are requesting that, as the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority cabinet, you seek a six-month pause by North Tyneside Council in their decision. This would enable exploration of various options to keep the centre operating in the children's best interests in our region."
The letter adds: "The national government has promised more devolved decision-making and financial resources for our region. It also appears to recognise the enormous benefits and need for improved facilities for young people, especially to prepare them for the world of work and life. We ask that you consider an emergency approach to North Tyneside Council. The decision over High Borrans should involve just one of the seven councils that make up the Authority."
NEMSA response
A spokesperson for the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority said: "We recognise the strength of feeling about the proposed closure of High Borrans; however, the ownership and responsibility for the site sit with North Tyneside Council."
The spokesperson added: "While this issue is outside of the remit of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, the Mayor has been in touch with the council previously to ask them to look again at this issue on behalf of residents."
