GOVERNORS are warning parents that a proposed new Darlington primary school would mean most teachers re-applying for their own jobs.

The consultation involving the amalgamation of Whinfield Infants' and Junior schools ends on January 31.

Lynn Thompson, chairman of the junior school governors, said it was important that parents turned up for two surgeries next week at which David Walker, assistant director of education, would hold one-to-one sessions.

"Apathy can be seen as support," she said. "Even if people agree with the amalgamation, they should come along and find out more about it. I will be there at the same time to answer any questions."

"The main opposition of our governors is the size of the proposed primary. We think 630 pupils is too many and the building doesn't lend itself to being one school.

"At present, it is two schools linked by a corridor with a shared front door.

"We have been told most staff will have to apply for their own jobs and I don't think parents understand how unsettling it will be for pupils if staff leave because they think they have not been treated properly.

"Both schools are very successful as they stand and we can't see any benefits to amalgamation."

She urged parents to also write letters to the education department expressing their views during the various stages of the formal and informal consultation process.

The surgeries are being held at Whinfield Junior School on Thursday from 6-7pm and next Friday from 8.30-9.30am.

'Samsung should pay back millions'

ELECTRONICS company Samsung announced the closure of its Wynyard plant yesterday, with the loss of 425 jobs.

The Korean firm received £58m in grants to open the factory in 1995 and promised to create an "electronic city" producing computer monitors, microwave cookers, television tubes and microchips.

The news led to calls for Samsung to repay the grant aid.

Gerry Hunter, of trade union Amicus, said: "Samsung was given millions in Government grants and they repay the community by closing the plant. It should be paid back."