SHAKERLEY estate residents have been dealt another blow as their community primary school looks a step nearer to closing.

Last Thursday Council cabinet members accepted survey findings that Shakerley CE School was not viable.

In summer the Tyldesley school was earmarked for closure after reports showed falling birth rates had reduced demand for primary places. The school is operating with only 66 per cent of its potential intake, with a number of children from the estate travelling further afield to Hindsford St Anne's and Tyldesley St George's Central schools.

Despite securing a £64,000 grant from the Coalfield Regeneration Trust and The Children's Fund for a new nursery, external reports have now concluded that the Lancaster Avenue school is no longer viable and should be recommended for closure.

The Cabinet accepted this recommendation and the matter will now go to formal consultation. Should the final decision be to close the school, the new nursery would remain and the rest of the building would be used to serve the community.

Wigan Council will provide buses to take children to and from other local schools.

In a statement, the governors of Shakerley School says: "The decision was not about children, it was about unit costs.

Rejected proposals

"Three times the Council has rejected proposals to close Shakerley School. This time, with the same facts before them, they have changed their minds. They accepted alternative proposals to save two other schools. They never even considered the alternatives that Shakerley School has proposed throughout the review.

"Wigan Council has failed to support one of the most disadvantaged communities in Europe. The Council's decision can and will be challenged. It must now consult the public on the proposal to close our school. The final decision will then be made by the School Organisation Committee which is an independent body.

"Local people will be able to object to the closure. They will have the power to influence the process and overturn the shameful decision."

Local Liberal Democrat councillor Robert Bleakley said: "The school's closure will have a devastating effect on the community. There is a continuing campaign to keep the school open which myself and colleague Neil Hogg will be supporting, but if it does close it will be a very sad day for Shakerley."

Labour councillor Mark Aldred said: "I'm disappointed that decision was made, but I don't believe the fight is over yet. The Shakerley estate needs the school, it is an intrinsic part of life in the area. To close this school is like ripping out the heart of the estate and I hope we can turn this decision around."

Also considered at the meeting was the future of St John's CE Primary School at Mosley Common. A decision was taken to contact the Diocesan authorities with a view to amalgamating the school with nearby Boothstown Holy Family RC to create one ecumenical school.

The Cabinet accepted recommendations that Hindley Juniors and Infants School will remain but as a one form entry school in new buildings on the present site. Hollins Primary in Long Lane, Hindley Green, was recommended for closure but Hindley Green Primary will be retained.

Makerfield MP Ian McCartney has proposed a one-stop health care and school set-up at Platt Bridge, and will fully investigate the future of St Nathaniel's CE Primary.

There are also proposals to close two Wigan schools -- Marsh Green and Scot Lane primaries -- and replace them with one new school.