A MIDDLEWICH town councillor has called on Justine Greening to re-think the government’s National Funding Formula amidst protests later this month.

On Saturday, March 18, protestors will move through Sandbach to act against the proposed plans, which will see all schools in Middlewich and those across east Cheshire lose significant funding, which could result in job losses.

East Cheshire schools have been historically underfunded, and the new proposal would see one Middlewich school lose up to £270,000 from their budget by 2019, which would have serious repercussions on standards.

This follows an earlier protest held in Nantwich, where over 400 people attended. Now it is hoped that 1,000 will attend this latest march, prior to the ending of the government's consultation over the matter on March 22.

Cllr Carol Bulman, a former teacher, spoke of the impact the cuts will have on jobs, standards and the wider community. Including potential adverse effects on local

“You can’t rob Peter to pay Paul,” she said.

“Just how hard do teachers, parents and pupils have to work before they get the recognition they deserve.

“How does Justine Greening think this rearrangement of funding can possibly have a good impact on the community?”

Laura Smith, event organiser, is sending out an appeal to people across the county in an effort to counteract the government plans.

She hopes the weekend protest and location will provide the best opportunity for residents of east Cheshire to be able to attend.

“We want as many people there as possible,” Laura said.

“For Westminster, this is a vote loser, and if they don’t start taking this seriously, I think there will be a massive backlash against it.

“Don’t leave it to somebody else to make sure your voice is heard, we need to stand up to them as this will have negative impacts for our children.”

A national petition on the matter has currently reached over 19,000 signatures, with a government response detailing its belief in the current system to be unfair, opaque and outdated.

The Department for Education outlined how the National Funding Formula will mean that a clear, simple and transparent system matched funding to children’s needs.

The protest will begin at Sandbach boys school, 11am. People will march peacefully to the Cobbles in Sandbach town and will take approximately one hour.