Reform Councillors Challenge High Borrans Closure
Reform UK opposition councillors in North Tyneside have spoken against the council’s plans to shut and sell its outdoor education centre, High Borrans. The outcry over the local authority’s decision to close and sell its Cumbria-based centre continues, with Reform UK councillors questioning the move. While the council maintains that the site is no longer financially viable, requiring £3m to keep it open and compliant, the opposition group is calling for the decision to be reversed and for more options to be explored. This comes despite the authority’s plans to prepare the site for sale on the open market.
Concerns Over Lack of Engagement
Reform UK North Tyneside Press Officer, Coun Chris Croft, said: “High Borrans has served generations of children and young people across North Tyneside. A decision of this significance should never have been made behind closed doors without proper engagement with the schools, youth groups and community organisations that rely on it. Staff were informed only after the decision had already been taken. That shows a complete lack of respect for both the workforce and the families who value the centre. The Council has indicated that funding exists until April 2027, so we want a straightforward answer: why is the centre being closed months before that funding expires?”
Financial Viability Questioned
According to council documents, while bookings are in place through April 2027, demand for the centre has remained “broadly static” over the last three years, and efforts to secure more bookings have been unsuccessful. The report also states that income has declined while costs continue to increase, leading to a reliance on subsidy from the council, totalling £180,000 last year. Documents relating to the cabinet’s decision to close the centre state that the site would require an initial investment of £850k, with further work in the medium term to modernise it, for a total estimated cost of £3m. This was dubbed a “financial challenge”, and the option was not recommended.
Potential Covenant Restrictions
Coun Croft added: “The Labour cabinet could have chosen to invest in High Borrans and modernise the facility at their behind-closed-doors meeting, but chose to close it and sell the site off. We are actively seeking the original 1967 transfer agreement from Lady Dorothy Somervell to Tynemouth Borough Council, as it may contain covenants restricting how the land can be used or sold. If such protections exist, they should be made public.” The report also states: “It is understood that no restrictions or covenants were placed on the title deeds of the property which would restrict its future use.”
Call for Reversal and Sustainable Model
Coun Croft concluded: “We will be asking the Mayor to urge Cabinet to reverse this decision and instead work with schools, users, staff and the wider community to develop a sustainable business model that keeps High Borrans open. Closing High Borrans would deprive future generations of young people of opportunities that have helped build confidence, resilience, teamwork and independence for decades. North Tyneside should be investing in those opportunities—not taking them away.”
Council’s Position
In an earlier statement, Rebecca Wall, director of children’s services at North Tyneside Council, said: “The Council has taken the difficult decision to close High Borrans Outdoor Education Centre following a detailed review of its usage, costs and long-term sustainability. We know how valued the centre is and the important role it has played for many years. However, like councils across the country, we are facing significant financial pressures. The level of investment required to maintain and modernise the centre, alongside the ongoing subsidy needed to support each visit, means it is no longer financially viable. We recognise the impact this decision will have on our dedicated staff team and on schools with existing bookings. We are committed to working closely with them to provide support and ensure a carefully managed transition.”
A previous statement from a Labour spokesperson stated: “When councils are under unprecedented financial pressure, it is right to ask whether continuing to invest millions of pounds in a single residential facility represents the best use of public money, particularly when North Tyneside children can continue to access higher quality outdoor learning through a range of other providers.” The report on the prospect of closing High Borrans was treated as exempt or not available for public view because it included sensitive information and details about staff. Council officers were on site to speak with colleagues, answer questions and offer support once the decision was made.
