A SCHOOL under threat of closure as part of the Otley primary schools reorganisation opened its new computer suite this week.

Harold Best MP was at Thomas Chippendale Primary School to officially open the state of the art information technology room.

And he told children and teachers it would open up a whole new world of opportunities. "You may not see the wonders today, but far into the future you should remember this day," he said.

Roger Green, chairman of governors, said: "We see this as a marvellous opportunity for the children to become involved in the technological era from the earliest age possible."

The ten-machine network has been partly paid for by the parent teacher association and will also be used for adult education through the Otley Centre of Park Lane College.

The head teacher of the Weston Ridge school, Sue Cook, said: "This could not have happened without all the efforts of the parents in raising funds. The school is also grateful for the free support and training donated by Gallanach computer company."

Staff from Gallanach aim to launch a computer club for nine to 11-year olds in September.

However, the future of Thomas Chippendale School is threatened by Education Leeds' reorganisation of primary school education in Otley.

Because of an over supply of school places, the education arm of Leeds City Council wants to close five schools and have just three in the town.

l ABOVE: MP Harold Best, who opened the new computer suite, is pictured with seven-year-old Hannah Leonard and six-year-old Rylan Armitage.

Picture by Andy Horner

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