MORE than 1,500 names have been collected on a petition against the proposed merger of two high schools.
Parents, pupils and residents in Shotton, Queensferry and Sealand have voiced their opposition to the possible closure of John Summers High School in Deeside which would then merge with Connah’s Quay High School.
The petition was handed in by councillors Christine Jones, Ann Minshull and David Wisinger during yesterday’s full meeting of Flintshire Council.
Cllr Jones is calling for more information on the plan which is still in its early stages.
She said: “Over 1,500 signatures have been collected in the three wards. This petition is ongoing and is still in shops in the towns.
“Everyone is talking about the possible merger of John Summers and Connah’s Quay and they are very concerned.
“Hopefully the information will be provided during the consultation process which has now begun.”
The school would be located on the current site of Connah’s Quay High School.
Other options for reorganisation include amalgamating Elfed High School in Buckley with Argoed High School in Mynydd Isa.
A super-school in Holywell with a primary and secondary school on one site could also be created.
During the meeting a letter of opposition was submitted on behalf of John Summers pupil David Ellis, 16, of Sandy Lane, Garden City, who has also set up a Facebook group to oppose the plans.
Cllr Minshull said: “The residents of Shotton have shown their support of the high school by signing the petition. There are more than 950 signatures from Shotton alone.
“John Summers is held in high regard and should remain. The students are very happy and are receiving an excellent all-round education.
“The school and campus serves the community and it provides library services, computer access, the Shotton Communities First office, the credit union and food cooperative.”
Cllr Wisinger added: “We’ve handed in the petitions and it’s an ongoing thing, there are more petitions to pick up and it shows the support of people who want it to stay open."
Holywell, Elfed and John Summers high schools have the most surplus places accounting for 64.44 per cent of surplus capacity in the county’s 12 secondary schools.
Any changes are expected to be implemented between September 2012 and 2014.
Ian Budd, director of lifelong learning at Flintshire Council has said the authority will remain “open and honest” throughout the process.
A workshop is set to be held today for councillors to discuss the options in more
detail.