Harlow's Liberal Democrats have launched a petition against the proposed closure of Brays Grove School.

The petition opposes the closure of the school on the grounds that it would lead to a reduction in choice for pupils and parents and potential overcrowding of other schools. It also calls on Essex County Council to work with others to find alternative ways forward for secondary education that would keep all Harlow's current secondary schools open.

Harlow Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman Lorna Spenceley says:

"The vast majority of local residents don't support Essex County Council's proposals to close Brays Grove School. Even more have serious questions about MP Bill Rammell's alternative proposal, to move Passmores School onto the vacant Brays Grove site. Many parents feel that decisions are being made over their heads, and that they're not being given the chance to make their views heard."

As an alternative to the usual paper-based petition, residents can choose to sign on the internet. Copies of the petition are also available online for residents to download and collect signatures, as well as from Harlow Liberal Democrats on 020 8020 2942.

Essex County Council will shortly publish a formal notice of its intention to close Brays Grove School. Residents will then have up to six weeks to lodge objections. If objections are received, the matter must be referred to the county's School Organisation Committee. If the School Organisation Committee is not unanimous, the proposal to close the school will be decided by the national Schools Adjudicator.

Harlow Liberal Democrats plan to present the petition to the School Organisation Committee.