BURROWBRIDGE Primary School will close its doors next March due to the falling number of pupils and “lack of community support”.

The school's future has been under review since it was put forward for closure by Governors earlier this year.

Somerset Council Council's Cabinet Member, John Osman did not accept officers' recommendations to close the school and suggested its future should be reviewed, to give the community and governors the chance to increase numbers.

But now, with the number of pupils falling from 17 to just 12, Mr Osman has been left “compelled to reconsider the circumstances of the school.”

He said: “Although the community has pledged its support for a school in the village, certain evidence would seem to contradict this, as only three of the approximately 40 children who live in the school's catchment area actually attend the school.

“There will, of course, be specific circumstances and reasons why not all children living within the catchment area would attend their local school, but the fact that under 10% of children in Burrowbridge's catchment attend Burrowbridge School does not give me the impression that the school is supported by the local community.

“I am not impressed by the governors' lack of marketing which in my view is essential to ensure that a school remains sustainable.”

Mr Osman also revealed that fear of the standard of education dropping has led to its closure.

“The school is now so small I am concerned about the standards of education and feel the only fair choice for the children at the school is for it to close,” he added.

“It is very disappointing.”

**DOES your child attend Burrowbridge Primary School? Let us know your thoughts on the closure at newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk or 01823-365105.

*SEE next week's County Gazette for the governors' reaction to the Council.