LORD Curry of Kirkharle has criticised the proposed changes to education in the west put forward by Northumberland County Council.

Lord Curry issued a statement this week condemning the proposals which could result in the closure of 16 schools.

“I was appalled at the scale of the proposed school closures being considered in the south-west of our county,” he said. “Many of the schools have stable, if not growing, pupil numbers and in the case of Chollerton, an outstanding Ofsted report.

“There is a deep national concern about the sustainability of rural communities.

“To close the school will deter families from moving into the village, ultimately undermine the viability of the other key services and impact adversely on the community of the village.

“The closure of the school cannot be considered purely on short-term economic grounds. Its social impact could have consequences which are far more serious and could be far more costly in the longer term.”

Chairman of governors at Chollerton First School, James Ellison, is also concerned about the future of small villages if school closures go ahead.

A meeting at the school last week to discuss the proposals was attended by more than 100 people.

Mr Ellison said: “It’s a thriving community and I think that’s what worries people. If something happens to the school, then the community could die.

“So many of the children are farming children, and they take part in lots of after school clubs. If they don’t go to the local school, that won’t be possible.”

Parents from other schools have also raised concerns about the impact of their local school closing.

Lisa Crocker, whose children attend West Woodburn First School, said: “Living on the farm, we are relatively isolated from the rest of the village and our local school is our main point of contact with the local community.

“The loss of the school to our village will have a knock-on effect to the whole of the community.

“The proposed extra travelling distance to Otterburn school is a huge concern to us.”