Lib Dems vote against latest steps to close Merthyr's sixth forms

3.53.00pm GMT Thu 21st Jan 2010

Merthyr Tydfil Lib Dems have voted against the latest step towards closing Merthyr's sixth forms. Labour and Independent councillors are now pushing ahead with the statutory consultation to close the sixth forms.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Merthyr Tydfil, Cllr Amy Kitcher, said "This is just the latest blow for those parents and pupils who want to maintain sixth form provision in our schools. The sixth forms are a key part of our schools and the whole schools will suffer for losing the sixth forms. A college is not the best thing for all 16 year olds - many will not do as well as they would in a sixth form."

The Labour group on the council did not even allow a debate on the issue. No sooner did the Lib Dem group leader begin to speak, than the Labour group move to the vote and curtailed the debate.

Lib Dem Group Leader Kevin O'Connor said, "It is a really sad day for democracy in Merthyr Tydfil. Dozens of teachers and pupils had turned up to hear the arguments around closing the sixth forms. Instead they saw politics at its worst - with Labour shutting down debate and opposition."