HUNDREDS of people have opposed a plan to close a primary school in Highworth.

A total of 393 residents and parents have objected to a proposal to close Northview Primary School and expand Westrop Primary School during a pre-statutory consultation. Only five responses were in favour.

Last night Northview parents – part of the Supporting Northview group – turned out in force at a Swindon Council cabinet meeting discussing the school’s fate.

The council has proposed closing the school at The Dormers because of dwindling pupil numbers.

But Northview parent Lesley Uzzell said: “99 per cent of consultation responses were against the proposal and nearly 400 people responded. That is in addition to 2,000 people who signed a petition against the closure.

“A lot of people have taken the trouble to respond to the proposal.”

The council said that 68 per cent of school places in Northview were empty and it expected that figure to rise to 85 per cent by 2013.

If the proposal to shut the school is agreed, it will close on August 31. All Northview children will move to Westrop Primary School, which will expand by 105 places.

Last night Swindon Council’s cabinet was expected to vote on moving from pre-statutory to statutory consultation on the school’s future.

Parents fear the dangers of Northview children crossing the A361 to get to Westrop, but the council said it may be possible to implement a crossing. Mrs Uzzell said: “With the walk to school becoming more dangerous, parents will be forced to drive, which means children will get less exercise. Also Northview is the only primary in Highworth that serves nutritious hot lunch prepared on site. Healthy school meals are important to help children fight obesity.”

She also believes an increase in class sizes in Westrop will put the children at a disadvantage.

Parents and residents are also concerned about what will happen to the old school site, but a council report has not indicated a future use for it.

The consultation also raised concerns traffic could become congested around Westrop School, but the council said it would build more car parking spaces.

Northview staff are facing a risk of redundancy, but the council said it would try and find them new jobs in other schools.