Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Closure of village schools is direct result of lack of affordable homes in rural areas

September 4, 2009 5:05 PM

Tim Farron and Cllr Colin Davies view plans for new affordable housing in HawksheadSouth Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the publication of a report by the National Housing Federation (NHF), and called on housing and planning authorities to step up their game before our rural communities die.

The report by NHF has found that 62 rural primary schools closed between 2004 and 2008 (including Lowick and Rusland & Satterthwaite primary schools in our area) and suggests that another 200 village schools will close across the UK before 2014 as families are priced out of the countryside.

Speaking this morning, Tim said: "This report is yet more evidence of the crisis in our rural communities. Young families simply cannot afford to live in the countryside any more, and here in the South Lakes are being driven into Kendal, Lancaster or even further afield.

"We need to step up our game and take real action before it is too late. We need more affordable housing for local families built on sites with community support. We also need to make the best use of innovative schemes like 'Home on the Farm'."

Related Links

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    timfarron.co.uk/en/article/2009/105598/closure-of-village-schools-is-direct-result-of-lack-of-affordable-homes-in-rural-areas
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    tf.lib.dm/a84wZ

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image