PARENTS, pupils and teachers of Bellingham Middle School met on Monday, along with county councillor Bernard Pidcock, to discuss their efforts to save the school.

Extensive travel times and the impact on the local economy were discussed.

Parents invited the director of education, Coun. Wayne Daley, to travel the school commute by bus to experience the extensive journey times.

Parent Carl Hamilton said: “This move will expose young children to needless risks in making long bus journeys. It will impact upon their education and will lead to them missing school.”

Some children face up to three hours of commuting a day.

Coun. Pidcock told the meeting that Coun. Daley has said that a direct bus would be made available to pupils.

Bellingham Middle School was praised for its ability to provide subject specialist teachers and access to science labs, technology classes and computer suites from Year 5 onwards.

Parents outlined the nationally-recognised dip in performance that affects children in years 5 and 6 who transfer from middle to primary school.

Pupils also face the issue of sitting their SATs exams the same year as moving to a new school.

Coun. Pidcock, said: “By taking out a middle school in a densely rural community, the fragility of its economy is jeopardised.”

Carl Hamilton added: “The proposal appears to display a complete lack of understanding of these vitally important issues, which have a direct and detrimental impact on young children’s lives.”

Village resident Joyce Knudson said: “If schools in Hexham have been allowed to stay open, we deserve to be treated fairly and equally.”

The formal consultation on the school’s future ends at midnight today.