Petition opposes archdiocese’s plans to shut Catholic school

The Archdiocese of Liverpool’s plans to shut down a Catholic school have been opposed by nearly 20,000 people who signed a petition.

Many people connected to St Ambrose Barlow Catholic High School, Netherton, do not want the school to be closed.

Mother Adele Hollywood is refusing to give up the fight.

She said: “It’s disgusting that parents have been kept in the dark. There’s a lot of this that seems pre­planned.

“At the moment we’re not getting answers back from Sefton Council or the Archdiocese. We’re just getting generic letters of response and both just send us to the other one.”

Bootle’s MP Peter Dowd, school governors and local businesses are among those offering their support.

The campaign group is pledging to “fight this all the way”.

Tim Warren, Diocesan Director of Schools and Colleges in a letter to parents said: “We believe that we cannot make any further significant financial savings to reduce the predicted budget deficit.

“Quite simply there are too many places left empty in Catholic schools in the South Sefton area due to the decline in pupil numbers over many years.”

Chris Owen, Principal Communication Officer for Sefton Council, said: “Sefton Council will review all information and objections before a final decision is made in January 2016.”