Lib Dem response to Cabinet decision on Outdoor Education

The almost 16,500 people who protested the Conservative Run Wiltshire Council proposals to close the counties outdoor education centres will be celebrating today following a proposal to save the service.

"I hope the Cabinet have learned many lessons here. The original closure of both Braeside and Oxenwood was announced behind closed doors at a Cabinet meeting last March. The time allowed for expressions of interest was too short. Staff were not properly consulted. All of that was wrong. Many people have worked hard including my Liberal Democrat Councillor colleagues to get us to a better place unlike the Labour Councillors who couldn't be bothered to attend key meetings.

"Our goal has been to protect Outdoor Education in Wiltshire, and ensure the Council used its every "best effort" to preserve it," says Liberal Democrat group leader, Councillor Ian Thorn.

He added "But the real heroes are those that organised an immediate public outcry against the closures. They forced a full debate at Wiltshire Council meeting. That led to a complete rethink and another victory for people power in our County."

"Our job now is to ensure that the final proposals properly reflect the ambitions of Wiltshire residents who have fought so hard to protect this service and represent best value for money for their hard-earned council tax."

ENDS