CAMPAIGNERS vowed to fight on yesterday despite the relocation of a Darlington primary school moving a step closer.

The Cockerton Area Action Group is incensed by the borough council's plans to move Alderman Leach Primary School to a site on the West Park development at Faverdale.

Members of the council's cabinet approved the £2.9m scheme on Tuesday, angering protestors who are concerned about the safety of children on the busy West Auckland Road.

They have also criticised the council for an alleged failure to consult over the plans -something the authority denies.

Yesterday, the action group announced it would be carrying out a survey of residents in the area, which they believe will show considerable opposition to the re-location plans.

Group member Caroline Houghey said: "We are in the process of producing a survey which will be hand-delivered to the houses of Cockerton and they will be sent back to the council."

She said if their protests were ignored, campaigners would be aiming to ensure comprehensive safety measures were installed to safeguard parents and children travelling to the school.

"We are fighting a losing battle because we felt it was a foregone conclusion, but we will still fight for every possible measure for the safety of children making that walk," she said.

The council says the relocation is essential. It has cited a massive decline in pupil numbers in recent years as the main reason behind the development. Education officials say there is no scope for the existing school to be improved.