Darlington Borough Council's cabinet approved the amalgamation of Whinfield Infant and Junior schools last night, despite objections from governors.

A vacancy for the post of headteacher at Whinfield Junior School has brought about the council's proposals to merge the two schools under its School Organisation Plan.

The plan states that primary schools should provide continuity in the curriculum for pupils, who otherwise would have to come to terms with new staff, and a new school ethos and environment.

The schools share a building, caretaker, catering and a playing field.

However, despite support for the proposals from the infant school's governing body, governors at the junior school are objecting to the proposals.

They say the combined school, with the potential to take 630 pupils, would be too big and there would be no educational benefits.

Now the council has approved the plans, there will be a six-week consultation period when people can put forward comments or objections.

If objections are received, the proposals must go before the school organisation committee and unanimously approved. If there is one vote against, the schools adjudicator will make the decision.