CONTROVERSIAL proposals to close a church school in Ramsbottom are being supported by the Diocese of Manchester.

The revelation has shocked SOS (Save our School) campaigners battling to stop the closure of St Paul's CE primary.

Local education authority officials have put forward an option to close the school and accommodate the pupils in nearby St Andrew's CE primary school to address falling pupil numbers.

They claim there will be 250 surplus places, equivalent to one primary school, in the Ramsbottom area by 2006/2007.

Although SOS members dispute the figures put forward, the Diocese of Manchester's board of education accepts "the expected decline in numbers in the town and the particularly small number on roll at St Paul's".

Leading SOS campaigner Andrew Todd said he was "disappointed" by the diocese decision.

He said: "The 1868 building in Crow Lane will revert to the diocese. No doubt it will be maisonettes in no time. Let's just hope that none of the new occupants have children that need school places!."

The Bishop, The Rt Rev Christopher Mayfield, will be visiting Ramsbottom on Good Friday at 2pm to take an Easter Service at St Paul's Church.

Beforehand, starting at 12.30pm, there will be a procession and two outdoor services for anyone to attend.

Mr Todd said: "A lot of children and parents will be in the procession. I hope the Bishop will accept letters from the children explaining why they want their schools to stay as they are."