A LARGE crowd of parents and children have protested against a school closure and have taken their fight against the local authority to the next level.

The protestors gathered outside Queensway Primary School, in Coppice Wood Avenue, in the Yeadon area during the day yesterday.

Many were clad in clothing with the message "Save Our School" printed on, while a banner containing the same message was pinned to the school's fencing.

Children and parents alike were carrying placards protesting against the Queensway's closure and they joined in unison to chant their main slogan.

Wharfedale Observer: Parents and children outside Queensway Primary School, in Coppice Avenue Wood Avenue, Yeadon protesting against its closureParents and children outside Queensway Primary School, in Coppice Avenue Wood Avenue, Yeadon protesting against its closure (Image: Parent)

It comes on the back of Leeds City Council announcing last Thursday that a proposal to shut Queensway is being put forward.

If it goes ahead, the school will close at the end of the current academic year, in July 2023.

The reason set out by the local authority is that the numbers of children being born in the Guiseley and Yeadon areas is dwindling and that subsequently Queensway has "seen a large fall in the request for places in its reception class and future numbers are expecting to decline further." 

A letter sent out to parents and carers by Leeds City Council on that day revealed consultation would begin today for people to share their views on the matter.

The local authority made it clear a decision had not been made and that it was important parents and interested parties shared their opinions as their responses "will help to shape the next important steps".

Those opposing the proposal used the opening day of the consultation to mark the official start of their battle against the potential closure of the education setting.

But the school itself already nailed its colours to the mast at the end of last week, with a message on the front page of the Queensway website stating: "We simply cannot let this happen".

Wharfedale Observer: Vicky Lancaster (right) and other parents protestingVicky Lancaster (right) and other parents protesting (Image: Parent)

Vicky Lancaster, a mother of two at the school and a member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), has been active in organising protests against the decision, including the one outside the school yesterday.

She also arranged for Yeadon Town Hall to be lit up in blue and yellow yesterday in support of keeping Queensway open and a group of parents and children stood outside the building yesterday with banners and placards.

Wharfedale Observer: Yeadon Town Hall was lit up yellow and blue as part of the protestYeadon Town Hall was lit up yellow and blue as part of the protest (Image: Parent)

Wharfedale Observer: Yeadon Town Hall was lit up yellow and blue as part of the protestYeadon Town Hall was lit up yellow and blue as part of the protest (Image: Parent)

A petition has also been set-up online in opposition of the proposal, which had been signed by 2,456 people at the time of writing.

For anyone wanting to share their views on the matter, there are two drop-in sessions, as part of the consulation.

These are in the school hall on:

  • Wednesday, October 5, between 5pm and 7pm
  • Wednesday, October 12, between 6pm and 8pm

People can also share their views online, with that option closing at 4pm on Sunday, October 23.

Click here to access that.