The council has defended hopes to establish a grammar school in North East Lincolnshire after critics said it would send education backwards.
Leaders say it would keep children who are currently sent to Louth or Caistor in the North East Lincolnshire borough.
However, Labour councillors said schools should look forward, not backward to “Victorian” grammar schools.
They also accused them of failing working class children.
Grammar schools select their pupils using exams known as the 11-plus and have become controversial.
The aspiration to establish one in North East Lincolnshire was included in the council plan, which was passed at a full meeting on Thursday.
No concrete plans have been revealed.
Councillor Jackson said: “We will work with education providers to improve secondary attainment, supporting the development of alternative secondary provision where there are clear benefits.
“I would remind members, and some of the newer ones may be unaware, that it remains this council’s policy to support the establishment of a grammar school within the borough.
“A grammar school would help to attract and retain parents who are currently sending children out of the area to Louth and Caistor.
“That isn’t good for North East Lincolnshire, and it adds a lot of unnecessary travel which isn’t good for the environment.”
Grammar schools were once widespread across England but have lost support over the years.
There are currently around 160 left, including Caistor Grammar School and King Edward VI Grammar School in Louth.
Labour councillors slammed the proposal.
Councillor Rodwell responded: “There is nothing new and exciting in the council’s plan.
“We want to deliver a good education for all students, not just looking at a few.
“Bright pupils should have good opportunities for education [in the mainstream system].
“We need to be looking forwards – this takes us back to Victorian times.”
Councillor Green added: “Grammar schools fail working class people.
“We’ve all heard the stories about them sending children home for inappropriate clothing – it happens all the time.
“Working class people are being priced out and can’t afford to send their children there.”
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The final in the latest series of road closures for works on the A1, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, has been temporarily postponed
A weekend northbound A1 closure was due to be in place between 8pm on Friday, May 20 and 6am on Monday, May 23.
However, Lincolnshire County Council said the closure has been temporarily postponed and once new dates have been confirmed they will be shared.
Works on phase three began in April this year, with the council anticipating that winter 2023 will be the completion date for the relief road.
This will be with the view to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for growth in the local economy.
The £102 million Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been led by Lincolnshire County Council, supported by South Kesteven District Council, Highways England, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Network Rail, Homes England, the Department for Transport and local business contributions.
Safety improvements have been carried out at corner where numerous accidents have occurred in East Keal.
The council is looking into what else can be done to prevent motorists from coming off the road at Hall Corner, while police are looking into the possibility of fitting a speed camera.
A cement lorry recently overturned on the corner in February.
Lincolnshire County Council has found a slight dip in the road where Blacksmith Lane meets the A16 could be the reason why heavy vehicles travelling at excessive speed are tipping over.
It is considering whether to smooth out and realign the road, but says it is concious of the impact that closing the A16 would have on traffic and local businesses.
Several safety improvement measures have already been put in place, including ‘slow’ markings, enhanced bend warning signs and improved chevrons.
Problems have been found with the road surface on the corner. | Photo: Google Street View
Lincolnshire Police are assessing whether a speed camera on the corner would be beneficial, and will be taking speed readings in the coming weeks.
Larger barriers and longer safety fencing have been proposed by the public. However, the county council says that in order for it to be big enough to withstand the impact of overturned vehicles, the cost can’t be justified.
Either the local parish council or the country council could also explore whether to fund a reactive speed sign on the location.
Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We are very thankful to the residents and members of the parish council who have given us their ideas and support in what can be done at Hall Corner. Local knowledge and personal feedback are cornerstones of what we do in terms of delivering the best solutions in the most informed way.
“There has already been much done at this bend to try and mitigate the issues faced and we now have more planned for this particular area that will go on to encourage all road users to drive accordingly in line with the road and conditions.
“I would like to thank everyone involved so far for their input. We will all work together to get the best resolution we can for Hall Corner.”
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