AMBITIOUS plans have been laid out by a shadow governing body hoping to take over the running of a village school, which they say would give the school its last chance to survive.

West Burton CE primary is currently within a federation with Askrigg and Bainbridge primaries but the shadow governing body believe it will not be sustainable if it remains so.

And there now will be a meeting on July 11, when the fate of West Burton primary will be decided.

The shadow governing body members, Graham Bottley, Alison Calvert, Alison Sayer, Juliet Madden and John Blackie, are supported by several other associates who will lend expertise in teaching, finance and administration, and say they are prepared for the hard task ahead.

But the board believe if West Burton does not become a stand-alone school it will be questionable whether it will remain open in the future.

The board has said they believe the financial outlook is sound, as they will be removing both the uncertainty of its future within the federation, and the threat of transporting its youngest children to Bainbridge or Askrigg schools daily.

Board member and local councillor John Blackie said: “The line-up of the shadow board consists of a range of individuals demonstrating all the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and expertise.

“The financial outlook is admittedly tight, but, with the achievable savings shown in our Vision Statement, will reduce the deficit to £6,000 per year and there is a prospect of further savings when the shadow board are in full control of the budget.

Shadow governor Dr Bottley, said: “There is tangible excitement at being able to move the school forward in a way that suits local families.”