PARENTS are being asked for their views on council proposals to create a new primary school.

The new Belmont C of E Primary School would replace the existing Belmont CE Junior School and Belmont Infant School, both on the Buckinghamshire Road campus, in Belmont, Durham City.

It would have 370 places for children aged four to 11, replacing the 208-place junior school and 162-place infant school.

The changes would happen at the end of this calendar year.

A public consultation has begun and runs until Thursday, February 20. A final decision is expected this spring.

A council statement says: “Belmont C of E (Controlled) Junior School and Belmont Infant School are located on the same site and already work closely together for the benefit of all pupils.

“Bringing the two schools together as a C of E Primary School is a natural progression and would also allow for greater use of facilities in both buildings and enable staff to share resources and expertise across the full primary age range.”

To comment on the proposals, write to: Adam Williams, School Places and Admissions Team, Children and Adults Services, Business Reply Service, Licence No. DU63 (Freepost), Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5BR; visit durham.gov.uk or email: schoolorganisation@durham.gov.uk