COUNCILLORS have opted to close an historic Ramsbottom primary school and relocate the children in a second Church of England primary.

Bury Metro's executive has recommended the option of closing St Paul's School and moving the pupils to St Andrew's, but it still has to be referred to the School Organisation Committee in July.

The controversial proposals were drawn up to address falling pupil numbers.

At the last Ramsbottom and Tottington Area Board meeting, councillors on the board voted to keep the schools open but those views were only advisory.

Campaigners bidding to save St Paul's turned out in force to the meeting but they had already been dealt a blow by the Manchester Diocese, which is backing its closure.