PRIMARY schools in Burnley could face closure because in four years' time there could be 1,700 unfilled places.

A major review of primary schools under way this month when four public meetings will be held to discuss proposals with teachers, governors and parents.

Lancashire County Council will first be looking to remove temporary accommodation and then assess the quality of accommodation in the schools with a view to removing sub-standard accommodation. It is understood this could result in some schools closing.

A spokesman said: "We have a duty of care to provide a quality education and we can't do that in half full classrooms and we can't access funds to improve schools if the classes are not full."

Last year County Coun Tony Martin warned five primary schools could close, because of falling numbers and in June Wood Top Infants closed its doors.

Burnley councillors members will be briefed on the proposals on Thursday before four public meetings are held later this month.

In a report to Burnley's policy committee Ian Monteath, head of the corporate policy unit, said: "The review has been prompted by a number of factors including the large and increasing number of surplus primary school places in the borough and the poor physical condition of a number of schools.

"The removal of surplus places opens up the possibility of access to capital resources for investment in school buildings and it is therefore intended the review should lead to significant improvements in the physical quality of primary schools in the borough. "The number of surplus places in existence and forecast seems likely to lead to a programme of change and development in schools which could take a number of years to fully implement."

County Coun Hazel Harding, chairman of Lancashire's education and cultural services committee, said: "This is about improving facilities and standards in Burnley schools, not taking services away.

"Of course change can be difficult, but I have no doubt that the review of primary schools in Burnley offers a great opportunity to produce better facilities and to improve educational standards.

"I hope that as many people as possible will contribute to the review and help shape a better future for primary education in Burnley." The consultation document puts forward several options for reorganisation aimed at producing stronger schools, in improved buildings, which will be better able to provide high quality education.

Meetings will be at at 7.30pm at Habergham High, September 18, Towneley High, September 20, St Hilda's High, September 26, Barden High, September 28.

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "I am pleased that the county council is taking this initiative to improve the quality of education in the borough and I would encourage all interested parties to contribute to the discussions."

Comments on the consultation document are requested by November 30.