Parents fight school closure plan

The school has only half of its allocated number of pupils

Parents in a Derbyshire village are fighting plans to close their school.

Stoney Middleton Primary has only 21 pupils. It has places for 47. The county council says it costs too much to educate each child.

Education officials say there are other schools nearby which can accommodate the Stoney Middleton children.

The council is consulting parents about the closure. Campaigners have set up an action committee and say the council has acted with "undue haste".

To pick on a small village which is effectively the centre of the community seems somewhat unfair Dulcie Jones, parent

Dulcie Jones, a parent leading a campaign to save the school, said closure would mean children would have to walk along the A623 - one of the busiest and most dangerous roads in the county - to another school.

"It's a very successful, excellent school. It's much loved.

"There are spare places all over the county, 1,000 in Chesterfield alone. To pick on a small village which is effectively the centre of the community seems somewhat unfair."

She added: "We will write thousands of letters to the county council. We will object at every possible stage.

"A lot of small schools will now also feel vulnerable."

Funding affected

The council said it costs £5,678 each year to educate every pupil at the school - more than double the county average of £2,640.

Councillor Alan Charles, cabinet member for school planning and support, said: "The consultation will look at all possible options for the future of the school.

"We are recommending the school be considered for closure because we believe falling pupil numbers mean the school's funding from the government will be affected."

He added: "We want to hear from parents and other people in the community to find their views before taking any decisions."