Threat of school closure presents challenge for governors: Ford

12.00.00am GMT Tue 22nd Feb 2005

Responding to the news that a decision to close Massereene Community College in Antrim has been delayed, South Antrim Assembly member David Ford stated:

"The survey of parents has clearly shown that there is a significant demand for integrated education in Antrim. There are already three integrated primary schools in the borough, and large numbers of secondary school students are travelling to Slemish Integrated College in Ballymena.

"The question now is whether the board of governors can take up the challenge that the parents have delivered. There is a strong case for an integrated college in Antrim, but it must be developed by those who are committed to the idea and not just as a desperate measure to stave off closure."