Lacklustre response to Hungerford education consultation

The lack of response has prompted a plea from education chiefs and a bid to dispel what they claim are myths surrounding the issue.
West Berkshire Council’s favoured option is for the creation of an ‘all-through superschool’ at the John O’Gaunt School site for pupils aged four to 18 years.
Some people, including some Hungerford town councillors, have expressed fears that the consultation is a sham and that the decision has already been taken.
But West Berkshire's Executive Councillor for Education, Irene Neill (Con, Aldermaston), said: “While the council is delighted to be able to invest £2.75million in an Education Plan for Hungerford, we really need feedback from people in Hungerford to ensure that the best solution is reached. Currently, the consultation responses are sitting at just 27. “This is low considering the importance of the plan."
She added: "The council’s proposal is the option currently considered to be the best education solution for Hungerford. However, we are definitely open to alternative suggestions which will be considered fully. This is a great opportunity for Hungerford. I would urge anyone wishing to take part in the consultation to look at the information on the Council's website at www.westberks.gov.uk/educationconsultation
“There are answers to frequently asked questions there which we hope will go some way to bust some basic myths that are currently circulating about the Plan."
One such myth, according to education chiefs, is a perception that the current Hungerford Primary School will be closed and that the land could be sold for housing.
However, given that primary school places are a priority within the plan, closing the current primary school is not an option, according to Mrs Neill, because the town has a proven need for the equivalent of two primary schools.
The consultation will end on February 27, after which West Berkshire Council will look at the responses and explore any alternative suggestions.
Once all feedback and options have been fully considered, a recommendation will be made.
This would then be the subject of a formal consultation, which would allow Hungerford residents the opportunity to further explore that solution and express their views.