EDUCATION bosses have called a fact-finding meeting to debate proposals to build an academy in Darlington.

The council's lifelong learning scrutiny council will meet next Monday to discuss members' views on whether the authority should apply to the Government to be a part of the academy programme.

The view of the committee will then help the council's cabinet make its decision on November 29.

Council officers want top performing Hurworth School to merge with struggling Eastbourne Comprehensive in an academy on the edge of town, but many parents in Hurworth are objecting.

The lifelong learning scrutiny committee is made up of elected members of the council and people from the wider community.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, chairwoman of the committee, has asked more than 25 groups throughout the town to address the meeting with their views.

There is a possibility the decision of the committee could be deferred to another meeting on Wednesday, November 23.

Coun Hughes, said: "My job is to make sure all standpoints in the debate are heard.

"Because of the sheer number of interested voices, contributions will need to be time limited. There will also be a chance to submit written evidence.

"The committee will weigh the evidence carefully and make the necessary recommendation to cabinet. I am confident that cabinet will give the views of the committee very careful consideration."

The meeting will take place from 10am to noon and then from 1pm to 2.30pm.

Tomorrow night, Hurworth School's governing body is meeting to vote on whether it will support the academy plans. Governors might decide to seek foundation status instead, which would give them more freedom from the local authority.