PUBLIC notice will be given to begin the first phase of the closure of a Basingstoke secondary school following a decision made by Hampshire County Council.

At today’s executive member for education’s decision day meeting, Cllr Peter Edgar addressed parents and borough councillors, saying the decision to close Fort Hill Community School was based around making sure the students were given a sustainable education.

Emotional parents at the meeting, held at the council offices in Winchester, called the executive member for education a “shambles” with many saying “this fight is not over”.

The final decision on the closure of the school will not be taken until June following another round of public consultations.

Passing his decision Cllr Edgar said: “I have empathy with everyone who has a child at the school and those in attendance today.

“But I do not see how we can deliver the quality of education we want for our children if the school is not sustainable.”

See this Thursday’s Gazette for full story.