PARENTS and carers have reacted with anger after a school announced it would close one of the main routes to and from its grounds.

The route leads down a steep hill to Bishop Middleham Primary School from a gravel track near the village's High Street.

Closing the steps means some children will have to walk along Front Street, which is very narrow at one point.

"We knew nothing about the path being closed until one of the kids came home from school and told us," said one parent.

"At the moment this is the most popular route into the school, the alternative is just wide enough to push a buggy along, but what if you are pushing a buggy and trying to keep hold of one or two children?"

The school remained tight-lipped over the decision, but villagers have speculated it is a health and safety issue.

Sedgefield borough councillor Tony Brimm said the issue had caused a great deal of bad feeling, but he hoped a solution could be found. He said: "We have been given a stay of execution to see if we can raise the funds to keep the path open.

"I've been having difficulty finding out information, but it looks like we need about £20,000 to bring the path up to standard in terms of health and safety."

He added: "The closure of the steps is going to cause unacceptable traffic problems at the main entrance, as well as putting children at risk."

Judith Peart, the county council's school and governor support area co-ordinator, said the matter has been discussed by the governors, who decided to close the steps. But following concerns raised with the school, they are to reconsider the matter.