School closures are "necessary"

The future of St Andrews school will be debated by the States

The closure of two Guernsey primary schools may be necessary in order to pay for improved mental health services in the island, a deputy has said.

The Education department has recommended that St Andrew's school stays open, while St Sampson's school closes in the summer of 2010.

The proposals are due to be debated by the States at the end of the month.

Deputy Barry Brehaut said he would support closing both schools to pay for better mental health funding.

Deputy Brehaut, the deputy health and social services minister, said: "In the current structural deficit we're in, I don't feel entirely comfortable with the decision, but I would support, if I had to, the closure of both schools.

"Another issue the community has a real problem with is mental health, so in addressing mental health and funding we have to see what we can do in other areas."

Campaign groups have been formed to protest at the possible school closures.