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ST George’s headteacher Philip Harte says he is shocked at the personal attack by Cllr Warmisham on him.
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Swords drawn in fight for St George
Emma Fitzgerald12/10/2006
EXCLUSIVE
CLAIMS from Salford's education boss that a headteacher fighting to save his school just wants to grab the limelight have sparked outrage among parents and staff.
Councillor John Warmisham says St George's headteacher Philip Harte 'is trying to get a big stage for himself' in his fight to save the Walkden school from closure.
The cabinet member for education says Mr Harte simply wants 'a shouting match' over the plans and is not considering the future of education across the city.
But his comments have angered Mr Harte, and his staff, who say they are astonished by the personal attack.
Cllr Warmisham spoke out after complaints from Mr Harte about a public consultation event to show parents the council's Building Schools for the Future proposals, which include shutting St George's.
Mr Harte says the event was 'an absolute fiasco' with parents locked out because of a lack of space and nobody taking minutes.
He said: "People were turned away from the meeting because there was so many there. Parents were texting staff inside the meeting to say they couldn't get in."
Cllr Warmisham responded to Mr Harte's concerns saying: "The only reason some parents weren't let in was because of fire regulations. It was a drop-in session and the presentation was being done in half-hour stages. Mr Harte is trying to get a big stage for himself in front of everybody. This was an opportunity for parents and the public to come and have their say, it wasn't about a public meeting and a shouting match like he wants, it was proper consultation. Public meetings serve no purpose.
"People turned up on the night who had concerns and came up with alternatives. But some just came with the total fixation on saving St George's as it is now. Building Schools for the Future is exactly what it says - it's about the future."
Mr Harte hit back saying: "I'm absolutely astonished he could say these things. To say I want a big stage for myself is absolute nonsense - the stage was for the parents. It's appalling and I'm shocked he could go to such personal attacks against me.
"I find it shocking that somebody who has never even visited the school can make these remarks. It is a slur on my personality and my character."
Language teacher Marion Chesterton's husband was one of those locked out of the meeting. She said: "Mr Harte has spoken out but he's got to do what he's got to do for the school. He just said what he had to say."
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18/10/2006 at 19:47
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