Nottingham school officials are dealing with determined opposition to proposals to close two schools in the city. A meeting is being held on Wednesday to discuss the future of Stanstead Primary in Rise Park and Eastglade Primary.
More than 200 objection letters have been written to the city council by parents, guardians and staff members.
Graham Chapman, chairman of the council education committee, said the schools are closing because of declining student enrolment.
'Beautiful school'
One parent in Rise Park told BBC News: "We come from a travelling community and we find it hard to find a school where the children fit in and feel confident.
"My little girl is doing really well here - so they are affecting her well-being by closing it.
"I have four children here and the school is absolutely beautiful."
Mr Chapman said: "There was one too many schools built in that area, so you end up with empty schools and spend too much money on leaking roofs and maintenance and not on teachers."
He said figures show there are fewer than 10 births predicted for the catchment area in the next year.
"I don't like closing schools because it makes you very unpopular."
He said 433 people who were consulted agreed with council plans - and less than a third were against the council proposals.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
