Ulster Unionist Councillor Alan Lewis said:
“This announcement is very disappointing news to the wider Castlewellan area. I believe the actions and comments from the Education Authority in recent years have deliberately contributed towards its proposed closure.
“By questioning the sustainability of the school so publically and forcefully, it only persuaded some parents to think that closure was imminent so in turn they acted by pre-emptively moving their children to a different school. This then further weakened the school’s position.
“The level of support provided for the children in Castlewellan Primary with additional needs was regularly identified as a major strength of the school in previous inspections. The loss of the specialist and compassionate support will be particularly felt.
“It’s also a major blow to the minority Protestant community in the town and the surrounding rural area. The previous consultation last May, which categorically concluded that removing the school would have a detrimental impact, has obviously just been ignored. I am also very uncomfortable that unelected and unaccountable Education officials have found themselves able to make such a serious decision in the total absence of any political oversight.
" I have spoken with the principal and will be meeting with the board of governors and Education Authority officials in coming days"
