The Save High Borrans Campaign has written to the council's Mayor and chief executive, stating it has "resolved to obtain independent legal advice" to review the decision to close the outdoor education centre. The advice will also consider whether grounds exist for a judicial review.
The campaign's correspondence emphasizes that "no decision has been taken regarding legal proceedings," and the advice aims to ensure the campaign fully understands its legal position before determining future action.
Campaign's Commitment
The group remains committed to working constructively with the council to find an alternative to closure and has requested a meeting with senior leadership. Formed last week, the group includes Green and Conservative councillors, a Labour councillor, the GMB Union, residents, and Friends of High Borrans charity representatives.
Council's Stance
The council has maintained that High Borrans is no longer financially viable, citing a £3m repair bill and declining pupil attendance. A council spokesperson said: "Everyone understands why people feel passionately about High Borrans, but emotions alone cannot pay a £3m-plus repair bill. Because the centre operates at a loss, that investment and the ongoing borrowing costs would fall directly on the council's General Fund, taking money away from essential frontline services."
The spokesperson added that outdoor education is not ending, with alternative providers having sufficient capacity. "The fact that fewer than half of our schools now use High Borrans speaks for itself," they said, noting that many schools had already chosen other providers.
Rebecca Wall, Director of Children's Services, said: "We have acknowledged receipt of the call for reconsideration and will respond in due course."
