Bright future as Knockmore campaign ends in success

A special meeting on Monday of the commissioners who are running the Board decided that a Development Proposal on closure of the School would not be published. But, while retaining a number of Special Units in the school the Board said it would consider further the relocation of several of the units into other mainstream primary schools nearer to the pupils’ homes.

Acting Principal Sharon Shannon said the school was delighted with the news and thanked everyone who supported the school in its battle to stay open.

“They are too numerous to thank individually” she said, “but I would like to specifically thank first of all the parents, past and present, who have been steadfast throughout this whole process and I will never have enough words to express my personal gratitude.

“My thanks must also go to all the members of Lisburn City Council for their unanimous support in our campaign to remain open and to the Mayor Mr Brian Heading for affording us the opportunity to present our case to the Council members. We have had marvellous support from politicians from all political parties, many of whom took time out of their busy schedule to personally visit the school, and without their help and guidance there is no question that Knockmore would be looking at a very different outcome today.

“Finally I wish to thank Mr Paul Givan MLA and Alderman Paul Porter for their determination, support and unending energy in keeping Knockmore Primary’s campaign running and as a school we look forward to many more years of educating our children with as much care and professionalism as we have done for the past 42 years.”

The Working Group who fought hard for the school say all involved in the campaign are ‘estatic’ with the outcome.

A spokesperson for the group commented: “We have gained much support in our hard-fought campaign to keep Knockmore open. We wish to thank Lisburn City Council for its unanimous cross-party support and all the MLAs who have backed our campaign.

“Knockmore Primary School has gained many friends throughout our campaign including Children’s Law Centre, Autism NI, SENAC, Afasic and a number of other organisations, all of whom were instrumental in helping the SEELB arrive at the correct decision.

“We also particularly wish to thank the people of Lisburn and surrounding areas who supported us unconditionally. This is a victory for the community of Knockmore Primary School and a victory for all children. It is an acknowledgement of the high level of educational standards provided within Knockmore Primary School.

“As a group, we will continue to work together to ensure that Knockmore Primary School continues to have a bright future.”

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