EMOTIONS ran high when angry parents faced education bosses who are considering closing a primary school in Ramsbottom.

More than 150 parents, teachers and school governors attended a special meeting of the Ramsbottom and Tottington Area Board on Tuesday evening (March 12) to discuss proposals to tackle the problem of falling pupil numbers in the borough.

Only days before, parents, teachers, governors and pupils staged a big demonstration in the village. And they have launched a high profile SOS (Save our School) campaign to keep St Paul's CE open.

Following the meeting, area board councillors promised to support the St Paul's proetst.

Education officers claim that by 2006/2007 there will be 250 surplus classroom places in Ramsbottom, equivalent to an empty primary school. They say the problem needs addressing to "secure the long-term viability of provision in the primary phase".

On Tuesday parents argued fiercely with education officers.

Parents and teachers disputed the forecast intake of pupils on the grounds that major housing developments were taking place in Ramsbottom.

Mr Anthony James, deputy head of St Paul's, said the reason why the pupil intake had been low recently was because of the "special measures" status Ofsted inspectors had given the school.

"That is now in the process of being removed. Without this label he school would then be more attractive," he said.

However, chief education officer Harold Williams told the 150-strong meeting that he stood by the figures.

And Coun Steve Perkin, executive member, said that the authority "cannot afford surplus places" which would reduce the level of funding available for other schools.

Parents argued that small schools were sometime more suited to children, despite the cost, and that to close the school would seriously disrupt the lives of their children.

Parent Mrs Susan Shedwick told the meeting: " St Paul's school has a unique culture where there is a feeling of belonging and security.

"The children are frightened and want to stay with their friends."

Others argued that closing the school, education officers would be "destroying a community for the sake of £64,000" (the estimated saving from the proposal).

Also at the meeting were representatives from St Andrew's CE primary school who claimed that their school could not cope with the intake from St Paul's

Following a three-hour debate, councillor members of the area board proposed that the status quo be maintained on the grounds that St Andrew's CE could not successfully accommodate the children of St Paul's CE. They also voted that the education authority find the money to keep open St Paul's CE.

Area board chairman, Coun Dorothy Gunther, said: "We believe this should be refused on the grounds that it is essential for the future of Ramsbottom's children."

The council's executive committee will now decide on which of the options to take forward to the next stage.

The options

To close St Paul's CE Primary School and make adequate provision for existing pupils at St Andrew's CE Primary School.

To close both schools and open a new school providing for existing pupils on the site of St Andrew's CE.

To maintain the status quo.