A DECISION on the controversial issue of primary school education in the West Wight has been deferred by the Isle of Wight Council.

An official decision notice was due to be issued by the Isle of Wight Council on Friday, June 28, following a second consultation into undersubscribed schools in the West Wight.

However, that date has been moved to Wednesday, July 3, to give the authority extra time to fully consider all the responses.

The notice will be published on the council’s website — www.iow.gov.uk — before going before the cabinet on Thursday, July 11.

If approved, a third consultation will follow the publication of a public notice.

A final decision is due to be made by cabinet members on Thursday, October 10.

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Cllr Paul Brading, cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills, said: “Once again, I am very pleased at the vast level of response received to the second consultation phase.

“To ensure responses and implications of options can be fully considered and the right decision be progressed, I have decided to refer the decision to cabinet on July 11.

“I fully understand that everyone who has been involved in the process up until now will be anxious for the outcome to be announced as soon as possible, however, I do want to ensure the right decision is taken.”

The consultation was launched as West Wight schools are undersubscribed — a trend which is expected to continue in the coming years.