THE future of two Tyldesley schools earmarked for closure was due to be discussed today.

Predictions suggest that demand for primary places will fall by a fifth over the next 20 years.

A working group set-up to assess the situation has recommended the closure of Mosley Common St John's CE and Shakerley CE schools.

But education chiefs have stressed that no decisions have been made and consultations will continue.

Other recommendations include reducing minimum yearly intake numbers at Garrett Hall, Astley St Stephen's and Boothstown Holy Family schools.

At the same time Wigan's Director of Education Bob Clark is being asked to liaise with the Church of England and governors at Tyldesley St George's Central to enlarge the school to take more pupils.

Lifelong Learning Panel councillors will consider recommendations after investigations into the problems of surplus school places.

A report prepared for councillors highlighted a 26 per cent fall in the birth rate in Tyldesley between 1993/4 and 2000/01. And despite more homes being built in the area in the past 10 years the demand for primary places has not increased.

Concerns mainly centred around the future of Mosley Common, Shakerley and Hindsford St Anne's schools but St Anne's could be safe.

Reviewers said it was obvious Hindsford CE, Mosley Common St John's and Shakerley schools were important to their communities but noted that the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership felt no further early years places were required in the Tyldesley area.

Figures showed that Shakerley was operating with only 66 per cent of its potential intake and only 10 from the estate chose their nearest school. At Mosley Common the school had just 63 per cent of its potential intake.