PARENTS angry about the proposed closure of Nynehead Primary School are objecting to the county council decision on legal grounds.

The chairman of the Nynehead Action Group this week said parents intended to keep up their fight to keep the school open.

Kathy Boyd said: “It’s quite clear that legislation has not been followed.

“The Government says there is a presumption against the closure of rural schools that they should only be closed if they’re failing and have more than 30 places.

“Nynehead has fewer than this and is the best school in the area.

“The Government says the decision-makers must look at all alternatives before closure.

“It was very apparent to parents at the meeting on December 17 that the executive board hadn’t viewed Nynehead’s proposal in full and the alternatives had not been looked into fully.”

The executive board voted to combine Nynehead with Oake and Bradford Primary School by spending £1.25million on a new building in Oake.

Gloria Cawood, who is Somerset County Council's portfolio holder for education, said: “The process of consultation has followed Government guidelines and every opportunity has been given for parents, children and community representatives to have their voices heard.

“The process will be looked at by the School Organisation Advisory Panel, which involves representatives from the Church, governors, head teachers and councillors, who will advise me on whether the process was fair and Government guidelines were followed.

“The panel will meet on March 5 and forward its recommendations for consideration to the executive at its meeting on April 1.”