PROTESTERS campaigning to stop Bury's high schools from being closed or merged met MP David Chaytor on Wednesday afternoon.

Parents who formed the Stop School Closures group secured a meeting with the Bury North MP two days ahead of the local authority deadline for concerns and comments to be registered.

A row about potential school closures erupted after Bury Council announced a strategic review of its secondary school provision, claiming falling pupil rolls would result in 2,400 surplus places in ten years' time.

The eight schools under consideration for possible merger or closure have been split into pairs: Broad Oak and Derby; Elton and Tottington; Philips and Castlebrook; Prestwich and Parrenthorn.

Campaigning parent Mikhil Karnik, whose son goes to Parrenthorn, said the campaign's aim was to keep all Bury's schools open. Parents have collected 2,000 signatures in support.

He said: "We have uncovered facts and figures which directly question the fundamental basis upon which the council has publicly stated it is undertaking this review.

"Despite our protestations, however, the council is refusing to move from its stated position, not even extending by a short while the period for public consultation. Initially we hope that as a result of our meeting with Mr Chaytor that the consultation period will be extended.

"We would also like the council to see that school closures or mergers would be a short-term solution to falling rolls as it is quite clear that rolls are going to rise again in the future."