TWO County Durham primary schools could close under plans to reduce surplus places.

But the plans to shut the schools at North Blunts, in Peterlee, and the former pit village of Haswell, also in east Durham, are likely to face opposition.

The plans also include the amalgamation of Shotton Hall infant and junior schools, in Peterlee, Murton and Murton Jubilee primary schools and Murton Nursery, in east Durham, and Eldon Lane and Dene Valley primaries, in Bishop Auckland.

The nine schools are top priority in a programme designed to tackle the county's 17 per cent primary pupil shortfall. Their fate will be decided after consultations.

The criterion for closure included falling rolls, building conditions and education standards.

Cabinet member for education, Councillor Neil Foster, said the picture was far less bleak than in May, when the council's original draft plan suggested up to 23 schools could be at risk.

He said: "Closure will be used as a last resort, where the problems of falling pupil numbers, surplus places and old and unsuitable buildings cannot be addressed by any other means.

"Our overriding criterion will be to ensure that any proposed changes will lead to the quality of educational provision being safeguarded and improved, wherever possible."

There had been plans to re-build North Blunts school in a land swap deal with the firm redeveloping Peterlee town centre.

Headteacher Jim Pritchard said: "We are rather shocked, really. Those parents who have spoken to me are determined they want the school to stay open because they are happy with the education we provide.''

One parent said: "It is dreadfully sad for the children, who will obviously have to be sent to other schools.''

The loss of Haswell's school would have an impact on the village, said local county councillor Norman Wade.

Coun Wade said: "I have worked hard, as other people have, to bring facilities to the village. You take two steps forward and three back when something like this happens. It is something we can ill afford to lose.''

He said the building needed expensive repair and the closure proposal would not come as a shock to a lot of people.