Parents in Staines fight Shortwood School closure plan

Parents of a Surrey school threatened with closure have taken a 1,000 strong petition to Downing Street.

Surrey County Council is considering shutting Shortwood Infants School and Playbox Playgroup in Staines because of falling pupil numbers.

The local authority says it has a duty to act because the school is only 57% full this year.

Parents have accused the council of short-sightedness and said pupil numbers have been rising since 2006.

If the plans are approved, the school - which has 85 children and 15 staff - will close at the end of August.

All reception and year one pupils would be transferred to other schools in the neighbourhood.