Schools debate: HERE'S a few facts and opinions for consideration on the merger.

1. The council is not listening to rural Darlington or the parents of urban Darlington who chose Hurworth's environment for their children.

2. The council cite falling roles as one reason for merging, yet Hurworth is always oversubscribed.

3. Hurworth was built as a rural communities' school in 1961 when the population of Hurworth was much smaller than its present 4,000 residents but was considered necessary then, why not now?

4. Tony Blair praised the wonderful environment for a school only last summer, yet the council prefer an industrial site.

5. The Governors, along with Mr Farrar have instigated policies which have worked well at Hurworth. These same strategies could be implemented in other schools, without the need to close Hurworth.

6. Last year Hurworth School achieved 79 per cent of pupils passing five GCSEs A* - C thanks to the efforts of staff, pupils and supportive parents, elevating them into the top 40 performing schools in the country. Eastbourne teachers have strived tirelessly to raise their results up to 33 per cent and it is wrong to blame them for Eastbourne's difficulties

7. The council cite the poor quality of buildings at both schools as one criteria for change, yet Hurworth has housed 600+ pupils for many years.

8. We are told a £21m school will be built and must house 1,200 pupils but we are not told who made that decision. - Name and address supplied

I AM fighting to save Hurworth School and I was concerned to read that some parents from Darlington felt that the Hurworth objectors were showing them a lack of respect.

I used to live in Eastbourne, my brother and Godparents of my children live in the Eastbourne area and I have nothing against the people in Eastbourne, quite the contrary. It wouldn't matter if the LEA was trying to merge us with Carmel, Hummersknott, or any other school, I moved back to the village because I specifically wanted my children to go to a village school, close to my friends and family.

We are fighting to save Hurworth School as we do not want to lose the rural location and the heart of our community. By closing Hurworth school, the choice will be taken away from all of us.

No school belongs on the back of an industrial estate, A road which is already congested with HGVs, trucks and commuters.

There has to be safety issues, if you then try to transport another 1200 pupils.

Also, how many schools have battled to stop phone masts going up near their schools? The new school would be near to Orange's phone mast.

I feel Eastbourne Headmistress and teachers are being used as a scapegoat. This proposal is all about money and statistics not what is right for our children. - Name and address supplied