PARENTS and governors have expressed concerns over a proposal to merge three schools in the Trimdon area.

Durham County Council last month launched a consultation which could see the amalgamation of Trimdon Grange Infant Nursery School, Trimdon Village Infant Nursery School and Trimdon Junior School.

The plan would result in the closure of Trimdon Village Infant Nursery School with just one primary school operating across the Trimdon Grange and Trimdon Junior School sites from September.

Following the merger the Trimdon Village site would provide education for children aged between three and 11 while Trimdon Grange would only cater for pupils between three and seven.

In a response letter to the county council, the governing body of Trimdon Grange Infant Nursery School raised a number of concerns including inequality of education.

It said: "While supporting the broad principles of the proposed amalgamation and the greater financial security it offers, the governing body feels that families in Trimdon Grange will not be well served by the suggested organisation."

Governors believe pupils will be at a 'greater disadvantage' than now as they will have to merge with an already established cohort of children, leading to a "negative impact on their emotional well-being and their academic progress".

The proposal could result in parents providing transport on the 1.5 mile route along a 60mph highway and there are fears for the future of the building which is deemed to be 'integral' to the community.

Sarah Granger, 33, of Trimdon Colliery, is among parents from the Ofsted-rated outstanding Trimdon Grange Infant and Nursery School who are fighting against the proposal.

She has backed a call from the governors to create two full primary schools in Trimdon Grange and Trimdon Village.

"The staff are brilliant, that's why it's got a good reputation and we're worried that will be diluted," said Sarah, whose six-year-old son attends the school. "They will have to establish new friendships and start again and we would like our own primary school which the kids can walk to."

Sarah added the school would be viable if pupils stayed on for Key Stage two education and said transport could cost about £265 a year.

A petition set up by parent Charli Marshall urging the council to create two primary schools has attracted 560 signatures.

The county council's consultation ended on Friday (December 18).