DARLINGTON council has defended its decision to send letters to parents asking for their choice of school while the fate of two comprehensive schools hangs in the balance.
The council faced criticism for sending out the leaflets from parents opposed to the closure of Hurworth School.
But the authority said that it always sends letters to parents ahead of the new term and, as it was a legal requirement, it had no choice.
A spokeswoman said: "The council has sent out letters to parents of children set to go into reception class or secondary school for the first time.
"The standard letters are sent every year as a statutory requirement to parents of children going into primary school or secondary school the following academic year.
"Every local authority in the country sends the letters out at this time of year."
The letters are sent out in September to allow parents to choose their preferences and return them to the council in time for schools to plan their intake for the following year.
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