COUNCILLORS have backed plans to close two schools and build a new school for their pupils.

Brandon Infant School and Brandon Junior School will be merged in a new primary in 2003 under proposals agreed by Durham County Council's Executive Committee.

The move is being taken because forecasts suggest that the number of pupils in both schools will fall over the next few years.

Currently there are 162 surplus places in the two schools, 30 per cent of their combined capacity. The nursery based in the infants school is fully used.

Earlier this year governors of both schools and parents who responded to consultation on the subject, said the two schools should be retained.

Education Director Keith Mitchell said: "Future forecast pupil numbers in respect of both the junior and infants schools indicate future reductions through to 2003-2004 with the combined rolls not exceeding 370-380.

"There are only relatively minor future housing developments in Brandon area in the near future and these will have little impact on primary numbers in the foreseeable future.''

The new primary school will be built on the same site.

The council will have to look into the possible re-location of the parent and toddler group school and the library based on the site.