MANY of Ballymena's well known public representatives struggled to find words to describe the turnout of an estimated 1,000 people at the protest march on Friday organised to oppose the proposals to close and Harryville and Ballee primary schools.
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Parents pushing prams, teaching staff and pupils, elderly residents, community representatives, councillors and assemblymen, all marched as one through the blustery streets of Harryville to send a resounding response to education chiefs over the controversial proposals.
Faces in the crowd? browse through pictures here... An emotional Leslie Meikle, Principal of Harryville Primary School spoke to the Times just moments before the march began from the gates of her school: "I am absolutely delighted at the way in which the community has turned out in force. Just look at the number of people with their children and also the people from Ballee. It is just fantastic, thank you so much, it has been a week of really hard work, but it has all been so worthwhile when you see a turnout like this."
Local Councillor Martin Clarke, who also sits on the Board of Governors for Harryville PS, said the march was another shining example of the community spirit in the area:
"When you got to the top of Moat Road and looked back down on all the marchers making their way along the road, it was unbelievable. That's the thing about the people of Harryville they all stick together and support each other, and I think it shows just how much they treasure their primary schools.
"The two schools are at the heart of the community. We lost the post office in Harryville last year, but the people of the area are determined to take this fight all the way. I would like thank everyone for the support and especially the Harryville Partnership, who helped co-ordinate this campaign."
Braving the biting winds to join his constituents, North Antrim MLA Ian Paisley Jnr said: "Congratulations to the headmistress, the board of governors and everyone who highlighted this issue and to show that the community wants its voice heard on where they want their kids to be educated."
His party colleague and assembly member Mervyn Storey added: "There is a huge challenge to face and there is no doubt that when you see the spirit here today we are up for the challenge. With a united voice and a concerted effort, we will make sure that there will be no stone left unturned to retain the schools at the heart of the community."
