Members of the public are being asked for their views on the amalgamation of two schools on Teesside.

Formal consultation has started on a proposal to close St Peter's and St Andrew's Roman Catholic primary schools, in South Bank, and open a new school on the same site, in St Margaret's Grove, on September 1, next year.

The majority of the St Peter's community is backing the move, but there is some opposition from people at St Andrew's.

St Peter's has 29 per cent surplus places.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's director of education, Jenny Lewis, told cabinet members: "Proposals to close schools are always difficult and contentious, generating strong emotions and views.

"We recognise we have two very successful schools, who sustain high academic standards, and we want to create one strong school that brings together the very real and considerable strengths of the schools with all their expertise, experience and very strong Catholic ethos."

Councillor Steve Kay, cabinet member for education, who supports amalgamation, said: "I do not think anybody wishes to be in this situation, but it has rather been forced upon us.

"We have a duty to do something about surplus places in primary Roman Catholic education in South Bank."

The issue will go to the local Schools Organisation Committee, which will try to make a decision.

If it fails, the matter will go to an independent adjudicator.

The plans are subject to the agreement of the Middlesbrough Diocesan Board of Trustees.