EDUCATION chiefs have been accused of pushing through a school closure proposal "like a juggernaut".

At a council committee meeting, cabinet member for children and young people Councillor Brian Humphrys declared he would recommend the closure of Dorset Road Infants' School despite overwhelming demands to keep it open.

Out of 446 responses to the council's consultation, only one was in favour of closing the 110-year-old school.

As many as 100 angry villagers from Mottingham attended the meeting.

Laughter broke out when Councillor Ernest Noad said there was a "misunderstanding" about what consultation means and explained: "A decision is arrived at after a

series of proposals is examined with the help of the local community."

About 600 people signed a petition against the plans and 125 attended a public meeting in December, voting unanimously to "reject the proposal that the authority considers closure of the school".

At two council committee meetings last week, headteacher Liz Keable, chairman of governors Tim Jones and Mottingham Residents' Association chairman John Perkins called the plans a "disgrace".

They were supported by ward councillor Charles Rideout, who spoke out against his cabinet colleague, saying: "What is the purpose of going to consultation if we ignore the overwhelming views of local people?

"Closing this wonderful little school would be a great mistake."

Labour education spokesman Councillor John Getgood said: "Unless we show we are prepared to listen to the consultation, our whole democratic process is undermined."

Councillor Denise Payton, a Liberal Democrat, accused the education department of making a decision and pushing it through "like a juggernaut".

Deputy chairman of governors Astrid Chklar was even denied the chance to speak. Parents, staff and governors have now pledged to fight on.

A report recommending closure will go to the council's executive cabinet but the final decision will rest with the Government.

ASTRID'S VOW TO FIGHT ON

Extracts from an open letter written by deputy chairman of governors Astrid Chklar to Councillor Brian Humprhys following the meeting:

I believe I speak for many when I ask you why, if Dorset Road is so expensive and has been run along the same lines for many years, you did not review it three or four years ago.

The conclusion must be reached that it is bad management on your part unless there is some other more plausible reason.

None of your arguments stand up to scrutiny. Only one conclusion can be drawn that Bromley has, and has always had, a hidden agenda.

We have been lied to throughout the campaign and demand to know exactly what your plan is.

You have a duty as elected members to work for the good of the community and so far have failed to do so.

I would like to thank all the councillors and members of the public who support our cause and there are many.

To you, our school may be small but we are determined to fight on.