THE Mayor of Ripon has attacked efforts to force a referendum on the selection of pupils for secondary education.

Councillor Paul Freeman was responding to a request, tabled through Ripon City Council, for a parish poll to be held on the issue of selection for Ripon Grammar School and neighbouring Ripon College.

The vote would be taken at the council's parish meeting on Monday.

Last year, parents of pupils with an interest in secondary education voted overwhelmingly to keep the 11-plus for entry to Ripon Grammar School, in the country's first ballot of its kind.

A spokesman for the council said it would have to conduct the poll of Ripon's council taxpayers if ten electors requested it.

The poll has been requested by Ripon parent Stanley Mackintosh, of Palace Road.

Coun Freeman described the referendum as "a waste of time and money".

"A parish poll is not needed, particularly as the county council is getting the views of parents on this issue," he added.

Fears have been expressed that the poll could cost the city council £5,000 from its annual budget of about £60,000.

Mr Mackintosh wants standard assessment tests to be the primary selection mechanism for Ripon's secondary schools.

Last year's ballot on the 11-plus in Ripon was acrimonious, with calls for a re-run.