PARENTS are facing a round trip of up to 40 miles to sort out worries about their children's schooling.

The long-distance haul is on the cards because the County Council plans to close the education offices in Burnley and Nelson and to move everything to Accrington.

The move to a new office complex on a former industrial site on the outskirts of Accrington town centre has angered local councillors. They say the decision was taken in secret and intend to fight the transfer.

Pendle council leader Alan Davies said closing the education offices is a massive slap in the face for people.

He added: "I cannot say what action we will take at this stage but we are going to mount a massive campaign against this appalling cut in the service to local people."

Issues currently dealt with at local offices are admissions, transport, welfare benefits, requests for children with special educational needs and children not attending or playing truant.

Earby councillor Doris Allen was livid. She said: "Most of the people who will be affected are poorer families, and many are the most disadvantaged in Pendle.

"How on earth can people get to Accrington when they need to see someone?

"It's bad enough for people in Nelson and Colne, but if you live in West Craven it's half a day by public transport. It is appalling."

Burnley County Councillor Terry Burns said after Blackburn and Blackpool left the county council to become independent it had been decided to look at how best to operate departments such as education and social services.

He added: "My concern was that people would not have anywhere to drop in but I am quite convinced that folk in Burnley and Pendle will have a place where they can go for information."

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