BURNLEY'S MP has advised parents who refuse to send their children to Edge End High School to have a rethink.

Peter Pike was speaking after an education minister said that the government would not intervene in the Burnley high-school places crisis.

And the comment came as seven 11-year-old children from Briercliffe began lessons at a private school set up by their parents, who chose Mansfield High but were given Edge End.

Mr Pike told the Citizen: "I visited Edge End last week and was very impressed by the high level of discipline and dedicated staff.

"I recognise the difficulty the school has and that it needs more money spending on buildings."

The Labour MP was told by education minister Robin Squire: "There are no grounds for intervention by the secretary of state on behalf of the remaining unsuccessful parents."

Mr Pike said: "I am urging parents who have not accepted places at Edge End to think seriously about their position because of the situation indicated by the minister."

"I see very little likelihood of places becoming available at Mansfield High School, and even if this should be the case there is a reserve list of people who would have to go first."

He added: "Clearly it is vital that we find a way of ensuring these problems do not occur in future years."

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