REASONS the five groups gave for the way they voted:

Three of the five SOC groups were against the closure proposal: the Church of England group, the Roman Catholic group, and the Schools group. Their reasons are summarised: 1) We are not convinced of absolute need to close schools without consideration of alternatives.

2) We agree on the need to take action to reduce surplus places in the authority, but the authority has failed to make the case about why Broad Oak High School should be subject to closure.

3) We are concerned that the forecast figures for 2006/2007 in the report of January 31 predict surplus capacity of 266, whereas the figures supplied for allocation at July 12 give only 183. This casts doubt on the accuracy of the forecasts.

4) We are not convinced that the children of the area served by Broad Oak School will receive a better standard of education as a result of this proposal.

5) Closure would have a negative impact on parental choice.

6) Closure would not promote community cohesion. The school provides a unique and valuable service to a disadvantaged community. Closure would disadvantage an already disadvantaged group further. The community, which is already deprived, would lose an important amenity in the loss of the only Extended School and Sports College in Bury. Closure removes access to community facilities. No options were presented for maintenance facilities for community use.

7) Closure would have a negative impact on travel and no provisions have been made for travel.

The Learning and Skills Council representative supported the closure. The reasons given were: 1) The proposal was made out on the grounds of pupil number forecasts and projected falling school rolls. The reasons stated contained the following note: "Paragraph 8.8.3 of the proposal to discontinue Broad Oak High School (July 13) states that "If this proposal is determined, the local authority will seek to examine options that will retain the facilities of Broad Oak School for community use". The Learning and Skills Council would be keen to see consideration of the development of skills (as part of the 14-19 agenda) as one of these options."

The local authority group voted three-three, and therefore abstained.