VILLAGERS are being urged to take part in a consultation over school merger plans.

In the next few weeks, people in Sadberge will be sent questionnaires on plans to shut the village school and transfer pupils to a new £3m Middleton St George school.

When first proposed by Darlington Borough Council, people in Sadberge were angered by the suggestions, saying it was another example of village life being eroded.

The future of the school was thrown into doubt when pupil numbers began to fall, making it less viable.

Villagers have been told that if the Sadberge school closes all pupils will be guaranteed a place at the new school in Middleton St George.

If the schools do not merge and pupil numbers continue to fall at Sadberge, the school will close and pupils will have to go to whichever school can take them.

Barbara Cooper, chairwoman of governors at Sadberge, said: "All who oppose the school closure and merger with Middleton St George should make sure to attend any meetings which are called and to have their objections heard and taken into consideration before the final decision is taken."

The completed questionnaires can either be sent back to the council or left at the village post office.