PEOPLE are being given the chance to comment on plans to shut the four Derwentside secondary schools that could make way for two new academies.

Durham County Council, which is behind the plans, has to formally close the schools, at Stanley and Consett, before the new institutions can be opened and the process entails seeking objections and comments from the public.

Moorside Community Technology College and Consett Community Sports College, both in Consett, would be replaced by an academy sponsored by the council and the Durham Excellence in Education Partnership.

Stanley School of Technology and Greencroft Business and Enterprise Community School would make way for a new style school sponsored by the council and New College Durham.

If things go to plan, the schools will close on August 31 of next year (2011) and all pupils will transfer to the academies when the new school year starts in the following month.

The academies will open in the existing school buildings while construction of new facilities takes place. Outline planning applications for the two academies have been submitted In Stanley the council is looking to build on the former King’s Head sports field - once home to the town’s now defunct annual blues festival - but the proposal to build Consett’s on the town’s Belle Vue site is proving controversial.

Some residents say the former steelworks site, which has been regenerated by Project Genesis, should be used.

The former leader of the now defunct Derwentside District Council, Alex Watson, has called on the Government to hold a public enquiry into the proposed location.

People can comment by writing to The School Organisation and Capital Projects Team, CYPS FREEPOST, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5BR.

People can also send an e-mail to schoolorganisation@durham.gov.uk or leave their comment on the council’s website at www.durham.gov.uk/schoolorganisation All responses must be submitted by Friday February 19.

People can also view the plans for the two academies by visiting the council’s website at www.durham.gov.uk The council also plans to create an academy in Durham City that will replace Durham Gilesgate Sports College and Belmont School Community Arts College. As part of its Building Schools for the Future programme.