VILLAGERS are being urged to take part in a consultation over controversial plans to merge two primary schools.

In the next few weeks, people living in Sadberge will be sent a questionnaire asking for their opinions on plans to close their school and send pupils to a new school in Middleton St George.

When the idea was first proposed by Darlington Borough Council, people in Sadberge were angered by the suggestions. They said it was just another example of village life being eroded and feared the village would not survive without the school at its centre.

The future of the school was thrown into doubt when pupil numbers began to fall, making it less viable to keep lessons going.

The suggestion was made that Sadberge pupils could attend the new £3m school being built in Middleton St George. Since then villagers have been told that if Sadberge primary school is closed all the pupils will be guaranteed a place in the new Middleton St George school, but they have been warned if the schools do not merge and pupil numbers continue to fall at Sadberge, the school will close and pupils will have to go to whichever school in the area can take them.

Barbara Cooper, chairwoman of governors at Sadberge school, said: "A questionnaire for parents, staff, governors and all villagers would be arriving from Darlington Borough Council within the next few days.

"This will mark the commencement of the consultation period and it is important that all questionnaires are completed and returned as soon as possible. All who oppose the school closure and merger with Middleton St George should make sure to attend any meetings which are called and to have their objections heard and taken into consideration before the final decision is taken."

Questionnaires can either be sent back to the council or left at the village post office.