A petition urging North Tyneside Council to reconsider its decision to close the High Borrans outdoor education centre has garnered more than 2,000 signatures as the community expresses concern over the facility’s future. The council-owned centre, located in Cumbria, is scheduled to close this November after officials deemed it financially unsustainable.

North Tyneside Council attributes the closure to a significant decline in school group attendance and the estimated £3.4 million required to maintain the site to contemporary standards. According to council data, fewer than half of the schools in North Tyneside now use High Borrans, with recent figures showing that 1,255 pupils from Years 5 to 8 attended the centre, out of a possible 9,300 pupils in that age group. This reduced demand has led the local authority to conclude that ongoing subsidies and maintenance costs make operating the centre unviable.

The petition, which remains open until August 11, reflects public opposition to the closure decision, with local Conservative councillors also submitting a motion for debate at the upcoming full council meeting. The council has acknowledged the strength of community feeling, stating that upon closure of the petition, signatories’ eligibility will be verified before formally presenting the petition to the council.

North Tyneside Council emphasizes that High Borrans is a non-statutory service offered on a contract basis, with schools free to choose whether to use the facility. In recent years, many have elected to engage alternative providers for outdoor education experiences. The council has also highlighted that outdoor learning opportunities remain available through other organizations already used by local schools.

In response to the closure announcement, Rebecca Wall, director of children’s services at North Tyneside Council, remarked that the decision was reached following a thorough review of the centre’s usage, costs, and future sustainability. Wall acknowledged the centre's historic value but cited financial pressures facing the council as a key factor. She noted the significant investment required to update the facility and the continuing subsidy necessary per visit as reasons that maintaining operations is no longer feasible.

The detailed report underpinning the closure was not made public due to its sensitive content concerning staff matters. However, council officers have engaged with centre employees to provide support and information following the decision’s announcement on June 30. The debate over High Borrans’ closure highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in balancing financial constraints with maintaining community services.