CAMPAIGNERS hoping to save a top-performing school in their village have criticised Prime Minister Tony Blair and one of his strongest allies.

An action group is being set up to wage a battle against Darlington Borough Council's plans to relocate Hurworth School.

The authority wants to close the school, as well as troubled Eastbourne Comprehensive, and bring the two together in a multi-million pound project at the top of Yarm Road, Darlington.

The proposals have sparked outrage in Hurworth, where residents have agreed to set up an action group to fight their case.

Everyone who has expressed an interest in being on the committee is asked to meet at Middleton St George community centre today, at 7pm.

Acting members of the group yesterday criticised Mr Blair, whose Sedgefield constituency Hurworth School includes, and Alan Milburn, who has Eastbourne School in his Darlington constituency. Mr Blair is due to meet borough council leader Councillor John Williams to discuss the plans, although no date has been set.

But Mr Blair's office has turned down a request from the campaigners for a face-to-face meeting.

Mr Milburn has also steered clear of the debate, giving a statement last week which did not indicate whether he supported the scheme or not.

Acting press officer for the action group, Ian Holme, said: "We must assure both Mr Blair and Mr Milburn that their hands-off approach will do nothing to reduce the resolve of concerned parents and residents."

A spokesman for Mr Blair stressed that he is aware of the strength of feeling surrounding the issue, while Mr Milburn described the schools debate as a "delicate" subject.