ANGRY parents are demanding governors explain themselves after voting in secret to close a school.

While governors at St Anthony's School, Middlesbrough, took a majority decision in secret to close the school - their agreement had conditions attached.

But it was confirmed last night that the matter will not go before the local Schools Organisation Committee to be approved, as had been expected, but to a meeting of Middlesbrough Borough Council's Education Committee.

Parents campaigning to keep the gates open to the only Roman Catholic secondary school in east Middlesbrough are now calling on governors to account for their actions.

It is understood that all those governors who wanted to keep the school open were parent-governors, but were out-voted.

Campaigner Ian McGuckin said: "It is essential the governors meet us to explain their decision. There are so many rumours surrounding this issue. Parents want those who took the decision to come clean.

"While accepting that the governors came under great pressure from the diocesan representatives to vote for the closure, this decision was made against the wishes of every parent of St Anthony's RC School.

"At least one member of the governors, who voted against the decision, was brought to tears by this act of betrayal.''

A spokesman for Middlesbrough council said: "Under normal circumstances, matters of this nature go to the independent Schools Organisation Committee. But in the light of there being no objections, the education committee will be asked to determine options for St Anthony's."

A spokesman for the Diocesan Trustees declined to comment ahead of the May 1 meeting.