CAMPAIGNERS who have been fighting to keep a village school open have criticised a decision to close it as short-sighted.

Durham County Council’s cabinet agreed to close Startforth Morritt Memorial Primary School, in Startforth, near Barnard Castle, at a meeting today (Wednesday, September 14).

It means the school, which has about 25 pupils, will close on December 31.

The council says falling pupil numbers and its “requires improvement” rating by Ofsted is of “significant concern.”

The future of the school has been in doubt since May when a consultation was held over plans to close the school.

Councillor Ossie Johnson said: “In considering closing a school it’s always an emotive issue, especially for the local community.

“What we have got to have as our overriding principle is the quality of education provision the young people who are affected. The education standard and future sustainability of the school all affect the quality of provision in that school.

“I have no alternative but to propose the recommendation for closure.”

Speaking at the meeting, acting headteacher Vicky Bain said: “I began working there over 20 years ago and I have seen many, many changes but one thing has remained constant. There’s a great sense of community and family values.”

She added: “The desire for the school to remain open has been seen in abundance in parents and staff and no-one in Startforth wishes for the school to close.”

Governor Sandra Moorhouse told the cabinet consideration should be given to potential new pupils from a 220 house development in the village, as well as plans which have just been submitted for another 40 homes on land next to the school.

Speaking after the meeting, governor John Blissett said “It’s a false economy if they have to build new classrooms to take children coming in from these developments.

“Everyone is very upset. I think it’s a short-sighted decision.

“That’s the last community asset in the village apart from the church.”

He added: “We’re really disappointed but we will sit down as governors and see what we can salvage from the situation.”