SCHOOL governors, accused of "ripping the heart" out of a local community in a row over a change of name, say they won't be going back on their decision.

Long-standing residents in the Fishpool area of Bury were angered to learn that, as part of the amalgamation of two neighbouring primary schools, the name "Fishpool" would disappear after 70 years and be replaced with 'St Luke's'.

The merger is to help address a borough-wide problem of falling school rolls.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said the plan to merge Fishpool and St Chad's, opened in 1886, and rename the new school St Luke's CE was "ripping the heart out of the local community".

She added: "Generations of people around here have been educated at these two schools; their names are synonymous with the Fishpool area. We live here and it is dear to our hearts.

"What significance does the name St Luke have for us? Why weren't we asked? This has caused a lot of resentment around here."

But the decision to make a new start with a new name was robustly defended by the Rev Dr Frances Ward, vicar of St Peter's Church, Bury,

and chairman of governors at St Chad's as well as of the temporary joint governing body.

"This was always going to be a difficult situation, which would never win total support.

"Both sets of governors and staff were aware of the local sensitivities involved. The two schools are so close together, only a street separates them, that physical amalgamation can be smoothly achieved.

"But we could not decide on a name, so we agreed to put it to the vote."

One hundred and seventy-five parents, governors and staff responded to a ballot, with 119 voting for the name St Luke's. More than 50 others wanted the name Fishpool St Chad's.

"It was never going to be universally popular, given the strong feelings of many people, and we couldn't widen the voting area to include all the local residents," said Rev Ward.

"We do feel, however, that there is widespread support for the name of St Luke's; he was a caring saint and the children have been told all about him. They like the name.

"It may take a while for it to be wholly accepted but we will be working very hard with everyone concerned, including local residents whose opinions we respect. We are very positive about the future."

St Luke's Saints Day is October 18 when the school will be blessed.