A VILLAGE infant and junior school are to merge to create one school catering for children up to age of 11.

Durham County Council has approved an amalgamation of Wingate infant and junior schools from September.

Councillor Olwyn Gunn, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “In 2016 we agreed, where possible, we would move towards all-through primary schools instead of separate infant and junior schools. There are significant educational benefits to this.”

Wingate Primary School will be run across two sites.

Wingate Parish Council had joined a number of parents in opposition to the proposals.

Clerk Graeme Reid said: “The parish council is disappointed in the consultation process that was undertaken. The governors did not meet collectively and reach a view and the governors did not consult with the parents and seek a view. I think the process was a done deal.”

“The decision was taken and the consultation that was undertaken - statutory – was just done for that purpose. It wasn’t done to actually try and get the views of the people.”