The council proposes to close Ripple School by January 2005

Over 50 people were unable to attend the first meeting about Ripple Primary School, Deal, as the venue was too small and could only hold 40 people.

The school only has 35 pupils but parents and governors have said the community would lose out if it shuts.

Kent County Council said the meeting on Wednesday was to "make sure everyone interested could have their say".

'Expensive to maintain'

The local education authority claims that keeping the school open is not financially viable.

Kent County Council has said that cash may be better spent on other schools.

At the first meeting, more than 100 people crowded into the hall to voice opposition to the threatened closure.

Councillors were greeted at the meeting by tuneful protests as Ripple pupils have recorded a CD single voicing their opposition.

Families also handed out balloons with "save our school" printed on them.