Essex County Council has been deluged with hundreds of objections to the possible closure of a secondary school on Canvey.

One secondary school on the island - either Castle View, Cornelius Vermuyden or Furtherwick Park - could close following a public consultation.

However, education officials are looking at other options including tempting south Essex students on to the island to reduce the number of surplus school places.

Iris Pummell, the county council's cabinet member for education, welcomed the number of comments so far. However, she said: "No decisions have yet been made. I hope as many people as possible will take part in the consultation process by letting us know their views."

Whatever decision is finally taken, the county council has vowed to provide secondary education for every child on Canvey, protecting the interests of those already living on the island.

Published Friday July 2, 2004

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