Serious concerns that a school closure could “suck the life blood” out of a community have been raised once again.
Middleton Primary Academy has suffered a series of problems recently, including serious flooding in January which damaged floors, carpets and electrics - while lead paint was also found in classrooms at the end of last year.
Parents have expressed their worries about the school’s future, with many of them being forced to send their children to Gayton Church of England Primary Academy while repairs have been carried out.
And now, Middleton Parish Council has raised fresh fears over the school’s viability.
In a letter to the Lynn News, the parish council said: “Although no official announcement has been made, parents of the children who attend Middleton School are concerned there are moves afoot to permanently close the school, which would be like sucking the life blood out of our community.
“The school has recently had some issues with flooding which combined with other outstanding maintenance issues has meant that our very young village children are being bussed from Middleton to the brand new school at Gayton.
“This is not sustainable as the school, we believe, is over subscribed and it makes an extra long day for our children.
“The parish council is concerned that with the maintenance issues not being dealt with this will be a means to an end and the school, which has been central to the parish, will just cease to be.
“This is so sad and we feel we need to support the parents who are so concerned about this and we need to draw a line in the sand and say we want our school back in the village for the children of the village.”
Last month, the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust, which runs the school, said it was facing a “challenge” - and if the school was to re-open fully in September, the plan was to run only one class for all pupils from Reception to Year 6.
The trust explained the number of pupils forecast to be on roll for September had fallen, with some families choosing Gayton permanently due to the Middleton school situation.
The trust wrote to parents this week with an update and said the insurance company is ready to move onto the next phase regarding the flooded classrooms.
The letter says the drying out has taken longer than expected and dehumidifiers have now been removed ready for electrics work.
Oliver Burwood, the trust’s chief executive, told the Lynn News yesterday: “Obviously the current arrangements relating to bussing of some children to Gayton will continue until this work is completed.
“Our insurers are covering the cost of the bussing as the affected area of the school is simply not safe to use.
“The children who are in the unaffected area of the school will continue to attend Middleton as they do currently.”
Now, fundraising parents of youngsters at the school have organised a village yard sale to raise money for essential repairs.
It will take place on Sunday, June 23, from 9am and includes a car boot sale, raffle and refreshments at the school. Vendors can get involved for £10 a pitch and car boot sellers for £5 by contacting 01553 636267.
All are welcome to the free event and donations for raffle prizes are also welcome.
One of the organisers, who is also a parent, said: “Every penny will be going to essential repairs to Middleton school in order to keep it open. Our county cannot afford to lose another primary school.”