SUPPORT for Rowdeford School was shown by the community during a summer fete held in the grounds of the special school.

A petition supporting Rowdeford has reached 7,600 signatures and was launched after the council announced it could close some special schools and replace them with one super school in the centre of the county.

Morrison's in Devizes and Waitrose in Marlborough provided prizes and food for the event that was attended by mayors from Salisbury and Chippenham and is taking place while the consultation into special schools in Wiltshire continues.

Attending the event was Chippenham mayor Andy Phillips, who said: “One of the big concerns and many discussions on the day was the threat of closure which is coming from Wiltshire council. Everyone is very anxious about that and it would obviously be a tremendous shame if the school closed. It is extremely well run and there’s lots of families who benefit from the dedication of teacher, so fingers crossed for the future.”

Mike Loveridge, headteacher at Rowdeford, said: “It is essential that the Local Authority make the right decision and that this decision should not be made purely for economic reasons. The location of the school in the centre of the County and the grounds which provide an exceptional outdoor space means that it cannot be replicated or replaced.

The school is attended by people with special needs from all over the county, which was represented at the fair on Saturday.

He continued: “The fete was a fantastic event that brought all members of the community together for some fun.

“It reinforced how much support we have gathered from all over Wiltshire and how important it is that the local authority make the right decision to keep Rowdeford School.”

The fair, held on June 16, raised £2200 towards a new minibus for the students. The special school consultation continues.