POLICE are investigating the traffic implications of the planned relocation of a village school.

Darlington Borough Council is proposing to shut both the Hurworth School, in the village, and the town's Eastbourne Comprehensive.

Pupils from both schools' catchment areas would be brought together on a multi-million pound campus, in Yarm Road, Darlington. But campaigners battling against the plans have cited the likely rise in the volume of traffic at peak times as a major flaw in the scheme.

Councillor Doris Jones, chairwoman of Middleton St George Parish Council, wrote to Durham Police, asking senior officers to investigate the traffic situation.

She said a lot of people were worried children could be put in danger by the move to a largely industrial area.

Coun Jones has received a reply from the force. The letter states the matter will be investigated.

She said: "It's good news to me that they are looking at this aspect of it and taking it seriously.

"It has been passed to the relevant person to investigate. That's what we need - a neutral view from somebody who can look at the traffic situation."

Meanwhile, the Save Hurworth and Rural Education (Share) action group has been meeting representatives of the three major political parties.

Share spokesman Ian Holme said: "This demonstrates that we want, and are able, to engage in open and friendly debate on all matters relating to the council's proposals."