As the village of Hurworth began to come to terms with the impending closure of its highly-successful secondary school, Stuart Mackintosh and Olivia Richwald assessed reaction both in the village and the Eastbourne area of Darlington yesterday over the merger of the schools.

ON a typical summer's day in the village of Hurworth, the temperature was not the only thing at boiling point.

Tempers among residents were frayed and the reason why is there for all to see.

Outside the Spar shop, The Northern Echo's bills proclaim "School closure: What now for Hurworth?"

It's a question that residents will be mulling over for many months to come, but the immediate reaction to the news that Hurworth School is to close is one of anger.

Outside Hurworth Primary School, it's the subject on the lips of all parents who hoped to see their children move on to their local "big school" - and not to the outskirts of Darlington, where Hurworth will be rebuilt after taking over ailing Eastbourne Comprehensive.

Julie Lofthouse, of Hurworth, said: "I just think it's totally out of order - it's local government gone crazy.

"There was no public meeting, no discussions. The school was one of the main reasons we moved to the village."

Grandmother Tina Mason, also of Hurworth, said: "It's a big concern. There are a lot of mothers here who don't know what they're going to do."

Parent Michelle Matthews said: "Who's going to want to buy a four-bedroomed family home in Hurworth when there's no school here? If they think they can just do this, they've got a fight on their hands.

"But at the end of the day, it's about the kids' education. Kids in Hurworth don't want to be joining together with Eastbourne."

The sentiments are shared throughout a community which has taken pride in the achievements of its secondary school.

Despite the persistent rumours in recent years, seeing the news in black and white has hit hard.

Stuart Mann, landlord of The Tawny Owl pub, on the edge of the village, said: "What's really getting to everyone is that nobody was forewarned about this, it's just happened.

"It doesn't take much to work out that house prices in the village are going to just drop."

Resident Paul Hamilton said: "It is plainly obvious that this decision is all about money and not about educational standards.

"The land currently occupied by both Hurworth and Eastbourne schools is prime house building land, which would command a very high value in today's market.

"It will be a sad day when this decision is confirmed, which undoubtedly it will be whether we like it or not."

The Rev Michelle Ferguson, rector of the village's All Saints' Church, said: "There is disappointment, but it's early days. The news that a new school is being built is something that the community is going to need a while to reflect upon."

Hurworth parish council is due to meet on Tuesday night and councillors are expected to discuss the proposal.

Councillor Alan Gibson said: "I think there will be massive disappointment, bordering on outrage."

Rod Burtt, who represents the village on Darlington Borough Council, and has long campaigned against the school's closure, said: "It is extremely bad news for Hurworth's point of view and for education in Darlington as a whole.

"I would like to think the council will be giving a good deal of thought to this."

In the Eastbourne area of Darlington, the prospect of linking up with Hurworth at a multi-million pound school is considered far more appealing.

Parents picking their children up from Heathfield Primary School, which feeds into Eastbourne, said they were shocked.

Sharon Boyd, 42, said: "I am shocked, but I was going to send my children to Hurworth anyway.

"I don't have a high opinion of Eastbourne Comprehensive, it is not very popular. I would send my children to Carmel before Eastbourne."

But Colin Best, 40, a former Hurworth pupil, said: "I think it is ridiculous to close Hurworth because it is a good school.

"There could be a lot more children in a few years' time. They may realise later it is a mistake."

Eastbourne pupils also gave their reactions.

Charlotte Welch, 16, said: "I think this is a good thing because the school will have better teachers. I do think it should be called Eastbourne, though."

Samantha McCormick, 16, said: "It seems like a waste of money because the school has only just been done up."

Eastbourne ward councillor Bill Dixon said: "Both these schools need a lot of work and it makes sense to look for a site for both.

"I'm an ex-Eastbourne pupil and I will be sad to see the school close, but it is a good chance for the children and young people I represent.