It is alarming news that 30 schools could close in Northumberland with others in the region also under threat.
This Government came to power on the mantra education, education,education but such a fundamental change in the county suggests these were hollow words.
There are 7,000 surplus places in the county. One school has 70pc of its places empty and 18 pupils on its roll.
On the face of it there appears to be some to be justification for saving cash by scrapping these surplus places but the feelings of parents and children need to be considered.
The process has to be open, transparent and take into account the views of all. And we must end up with an education system fit for the youngsters and not just the accountants.
The Chronicle's campaign to get justice for Rebecca Sawyer can today claim a small victory after it was announced that dangerous drivers who kill will now face up to 14 years behind bars.
But the fight goes on. The courts should have the power to impose life sentences for such crimes and we will be lobbying the Home Office until that happens.
