MORE than 200 parents campaigning against the proposed closure of Southmead Primary School took their protest to the opening of a new, high-tech learning centre at Higher Side Comprehensive School in Cumber Lane, Whiston.

The protesters lobbied the opening - by a Government minister - to show their anger at the Knowsley Council over plans for the primary school in Lickers Lane, Whiston, which, they believe, is scheduled for closure in July this year because of alleged falling pupil numbers.

Michael Lea, of the Southmead Parents Action Group, hailed the protest as a "great success." He said: "There was a massive turnout and teachers had to stop pupils at Higher Side from joining their younger brothers and sisters in the protest."

Malcolm Wicks, Parliamentary Under-secretary of State for Lifelong Learning, who officially opened the new learning centre, invited some of the protesters into the school to discuss their objections to the closure and protesters later said he gave his support to the campaign. More than 150 pupils attend Southmead school which, its supporters claim, provides a focal point for the local community. They also point to the fact that the school was praised in a recent OFSTED report and has been performing well above the national average.

The school also caters for pupils with special education needs and receives student teachers from John Moores University, Liverpool.

Now anxious parents have set up an action group to fight the closure and pupils themselves have become involved, with some making banners and even putting the words 'Save Our School' to the tune of the Abba song 'Mamma Mia'.

Clare Cadel, from Deanwood Close, Whiston, who has two children at the school, told the Star: "Parents are very angry about this and there is no way I'm going to send my children to another school".

Headmaster Mike Dalton fears that if the plans go ahead it could break up the local community. He said: "We feel that this decision is premature and wrong. The school provides good close relationships within the community and we have built up trust and understanding. The closure would have huge implications for everyone involved."

He also denied claims that the number of pupils at the school was falling and said these were based on "old figures", while, in fact, the number of children at the school is set to grow.

A spokesman for Knowsley Council commented: "It was agreed at the Ratification Committee to commence with a consultation exercise to consider all the options in the report. The consultation will fully involve everybody who has interest in the future of the schools and their views will be taken into consideration".

But the authority's handling of the matter, has also angered the campaigners. Sue Bolton, from Willow Avenue, Whiston, whose son attends the school, said: "No one from the education department has spoken to parents about the closure, although we have heard rumours that the council want to sell the land to a private developer. But we are prepared to do everything we can to save our school".