EDUCATION officials must carryout a speedy investigation into the suspension of two senior teachers at a Blackburn school, its chairman of governors has said.

It is understood that parents are organising a petition in support of the suspended Pleckgate teachers, deputy head Nic Ford and assistant head Rob Hamilton.

Headteacher Cherry Ridgway took an extended leave of absence just a few days after the suspensions of the two members of her leadership team.

Chair of governors Aziz Hazari said he was trying to resolve their suspensions quickly with Blackburn with Darwen Council. He said the teachers had inspired a petition of support amongst parents in the area.

The Lancashire Telegraph has also received messages of support for the two teachers.

Mr Hazari said: “It’s been brought to my attention, and though it isn’t my place to be told what these suspensions are for, I hope to see a quick resolution from the council.

“Rob has been a teacher at Pleckgate for 20 years, has an impeccable record and I have known him personally for ten years.

“He is a household name in the neighbourhood. Nic has been there for four and they both have had my confidence as a parent.

“I am pushing the local authority to proceed quickly because staff and the community in general are not happy with what’s happened.” However the decision to make Mark Bradshaw acting head was a brilliant move and the school as a whole has rallied nonetheless.”

The school was placed into special measures after Ofsted found there was ‘a culture of mistrust’ at the school between governors, teachers and Ms Ridgway.

It was announced that Ms Ridgway had decided to take an extended leave of absence on Thursday, February 13. Mr Ford and Mr Hamilton had been suspended the previous Friday.

Director of Children’s Services at Blackburn with Darwen Council Linda Clegg, said: “Suspension is a neutral act until an investigation is concluded.”