PARENTS at a special school in Atherton threatened with closure believe their views are being ignored by education chiefs.

They have been to a series of meetings with education bosses to discuss Wigan Council's plans to move Green Hall Primary's 76 pupils into mainstream schools.

The meetings are part of the council's consultation period with parents before May's final decision on the school's future.

But parents claim they have been left frustrated by the lack of answers from education bosses -- and fear that their school will close.

Karen Jones, whose eight-year-old son Sean is a pupil, said: "I went to the public meeting at Leigh Town Hall and I felt that the views of the parents and staff were being ignored by the panel.

"We were asking questions but we weren't getting any answers.

"I have nothing against mainstream schools, but I would like to have a choice as to where I send my child.

"Since Sean has been at Green Hall, he has come on so much, the staff have been wonderful.

"If the school closed, we would have to move to another area to find Sean a suitable school."

Jane Fearick, whose six-year-old daughter Bethany also attends Green Hall, said: "I was at the meetings last week and I just wanted to get some definite answers from them, but I got none.

"If they close Green Hall then I would be forced to teach Bethany at home.

"She has been to a mainstream school and struggled, but at Green Hall she has improved 100 per cent."

Janette Gilbourne, Wigan's assistant director of education and head of special needs education, said: "People are asking questions, but we haven't got definite answers because it's an informal consultation period and nothing has been decided.

"It's crucial that parents are given the opportunity to give us their views on the proposals.

"We have arranged a series of meetings with staff, management and the governors, and their views have been recorded and will form a report that will go back to the council.

"Parents can also give us their views through the written consultation document."

The school, which caters for pupils aged between four and 11 with moderate learning difficulties, received a glowing Ofsted report in January.

The parents have also set up a website in their campaign to keep the school open. It is www.saveourspecialschools.co.uk