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28 February 2018
www.champnews.com
Vol 25 ● Issue 9
Primary schools earn top marks for reading PUPILS and staff at Ormskirk West End Primary School have been congratulated by the Minister for School Standards, Nick Gibb, after being named in the top one per cent of primary schools in England for reading. A staggering 100% of pupils at the school in Grimshaw Lane achieved or exceeded the ‘expected standards’ for reading at the end of Key Stage 2, according to recently published results. Headteacher Phil Clarke said he was delighted to receive the letter from the minister congratulating the staff and pupils of the school for the achievement. And he thanked the staff for their hard work and professionalism in producing such high standards. Nick Gibb wrote: “We all want to ensure that every child has the necessary fluency in reading to prepare them for a successful sec-
ondary education and beyond. Ormskirk West End has provided this to ALL its pupils.” Mr Clarke commented: “The school is growing and going from strength to strength, our only aim has always been to provide children with the highest possible standard of education in a happy and safe environment. “We believe we provide our children with the tools to develop their skills so they get the most out of their learning journey, but also strive to assist them with personal development.” l Tarleton Holy Trinity CE Primary was also named in the top one per cent - for the second year running. Proud headteacher Stephen Smith said: “It’s a team effort that makes the school what it is and being recognised as one of the best in the country for reading is wonderful – what a team!”
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Ormskirk West End Primary headteacher Phil Clarke with staff and pupils celebrating their achievement
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LABOUR PARKING CHARGE PLANS UNDER FIRE Report by Kenny Parker WEST Lancs Council leader, Councillor Ian Moran, has announced that the borough’s ruling Labour group is set to approve proposals to have a uniform charging schedule across Ormskirk’s car parks of £1 for three hours. The announcement follows a council review of pay and display parking and charges. However the proposals have been slammed by Our West Lancashire councillor for Derby ward, Ian Davis and Conservative group leader, Councillor David Westley. A statement issued by Councillor John Hodson, on behalf of the Labour group, said that “following feedback from the business community, this was felt to be the best way of attracting more visitors to Ormskirk shops and services and also to increase the amount of time spent by the average visitor.” It added: “Although recommendations also include the charging of Blue Badge
Party says move will attract more visitors but opposition claim it’s out of touch and poorly thought out
holders, Labour are set to exclude these from charges in order to monitor the effect over the next year as we wish to maximise the visitor numbers to encourage more people to come to Ormskirk.” Councillor Davis, who is the independent group’s finance spokesman, said: “This proposal fails to recognise how the High Street has changed in recent years and the fact that Ormskirk town centre now has to compete with the Ringtail Retail Park in Burscough less than two miles away where parking is free. Urgency “The Labour council in Chorley reduced the cost of parking there when they took over from the Conservatives, including introducing free parking on Saturday afternoons. In contrast, this report says
that in Ormskirk if this change goes through, the council actually expects to take more money from parking tickets. This would be balanced by less penalty charge income. “Car parking is clearly only one part of an overall strategy for the town centre. There needs to be much more urgency shown by the council in implementing its Town Centre Strategy. “At the council meeting on Wednesday, I will be putting forward proposals in our alternative budget that will provide for a more attractive car parking offer; extra money for festivals and events in the town; and for a deep clean of the town centre pedestrianised area.” And Cllr. Westley said: “To put up the cost from 70p to £1 for one hour parking represents a massive 43% increase for Continued inside
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