PUPILS aged three to 11 will be taught under one roof if plans to close two village schools win approval.

Durham County Council wants to close Brandon junior and infant schools, which share a site in Carr Avenue, and replace them with a new primary school.

It would cost more than £2.3m to build, but the council estimates it would save about £46,800 a year, with further savings of £700,000 in five years through reduced maintenance and repair costs.

The plans have been drawn up because both schools have a significant number of surplus places.

The infant school, which also has a fully-used nursery, has capacity for 199 pupils, but only has 139 on its books.

The junior school can accommodate 332 children, but has a roll of only 230.

If the plans are approved, and the Government agrees funding for the new school, which will be on the same site, the existing schools will close at the end of the summer term in 2003.

Education director Keith Mitchell said: "Forecasts of pupil numbers in respect of both the junior and infant schools indicate reductions through to 2003/2004.

"There are only minor future housing developments in Brandon area in the near future."

No objections to the plans were lodged with the county council during the statutory consultation period.

But earlier this year, governors said they were not convinced of the educational benefits of a combined school.

The plans have been approved by the council's executive committee and are going before the school organisation committee for final consideration.

The council will look to move the parent and toddler group from the infant school.

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