Education chiefs have told headteachers of 16 Colchester schools under threat of merging or closing that the controversial plans have been scrapped.

People power appears to have won the day and parents protesting outside the private meeting, at Sir Charles Lucas School on Greenstead, gave a cautious welcome.

Although no official announcment had been made today (Friday), parents and politicians welcomed the decision.

Cindy Stocking, who has three children at Hazelmere Infants and Junior Schools, said: "I'm glad if they scrap the plan but I don't believe it until I see it in writing. I think the plan to amalgamate schools is appalling, it has been a worrying time for staff and parents".

Michelle Trimby, whose four-year-old Carrie attends Hazelmere Infants School, said: "I would prefer it if they keep the schools separate, it's perfect the way it is. It's excellent if they have listened to us".

Gerard Oxford, Essex Federation of Parent Teachers Association representative on the Essex County Council education committee, said: "I would like to express my relief in one respect for the fact parents, teachers and pupils have been listened to. There would have been no educational advancements from these amalgamations."

He said he was grateful to all of the schools and parents who told him their views on the situation so he could pass these on to the education committee.

The £8 million education overhaul for Colchester was drawn up by Essex County Council and would have seen 16 infant and junior schools being forced to merge.

But a special meeting of the education, planning, admission and capital (Epac) committee has now been held, and the results are expected later this morning.

The U-turn follows a campaign waged against County Hall by parents, school staff and politicians.

It will mean a reprieve for St George's, Monkwick, Kings Ford, Montgomery, Prettygate, Friars Grove, St Andrew's and Hazelmere which would have been merged or closed.

Mike Barnett, education spokesman, said the first to be told of the panel's decision would be primary school headteachers.

He admitted if the plans were scrapped, Colchester would still face a problem of surplus places in one part of the town and too many children in other parts.

A new 300-pupil primary school was planned under the original proposals, and the county council expected new primary schools in the north of Colchester, the Hythe and on redeveloped Garrison land.

But the scheme would also involve lengthy delays in sorting out the primary education dilemma facing Colchester.

People power - parents of pupils at the Hazelmere schools with their protest banners.

Picture: STEVE BRADING

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