A petition to save North Tyneside Council-owned High Borrans Outdoor Education Centre continues to gather signatures, and if it reaches a threshold of 2,000 valid signatures, it could force a full council debate. The petition, hosted on the council's website, has amassed over 950 names at the time of publication.
Petition Details and Community Response
The petition calls for the preservation of the Cumbrian outdoor learning centre, which the council decided to close by November of this year. The petition states: “The closure of High Borrans represents the loss of an invaluable educational resource, not only for current and future generations of children, but also for the wider community that has supported and benefited from the centre over many decades.” It concludes: “Losing High Borrans would not simply mean losing a residential centre, it would mean losing a place that has quietly changed countless lives for generations.”
The decision has sparked an outpouring of emotion from readers and provoked Cumbria MP Tim Farron to call on the council to reconsider. The petition can be accessed on the council’s website.
Council Process for Petitions
According to the council’s constitution, the full council can debate a petition if it receives 2,000 or more valid signatures. If that threshold is met, a letter will be sent to the organiser informing them when and where the meeting will take place. The constitution states: “The council will endeavour to consider the petition at its next meeting, although on some occasions this may not be possible and some consideration will then take place at the following meeting.”
The petition organiser will be given five minutes to present the petition at the meeting, followed by a maximum of 15 minutes of discussion by councillors. After discussion, the council can decide to take the action requested, not take the action, or commission further investigation.
Council's Position on Closure
In a previous 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.”
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