THE proposed closure of Prestwich High has been met with dismay by Prestwich councillor Tim Pickstone.

Coun Pickstone, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council, said he was "personally devastated" that the school, now a specialist arts college, had been picked out.

His party has today set up an online petition in a late bid to save the school, at www.prestwichfocus.net.

"I am extremely disappointed that the council seems to have failed to listen to the many parents, pupils, staff and communities affected by the proposed reduction in secondary school places," he said.

"Despite the fact the consultation took place over Christmas, one of the busiest times of year for families, many took the opportunity to respond to the consultation.

"Bury has an excellent family of schools and we tamper with it at our peril. The Liberal Democrat group in Bury have still not been convinced that the argument has been made for closures on such a scale and feel that issues around future house building trends and alternatives around smaller schools or classes have not been sufficiently explored."

Coun Pickstone added: "Prestwich Arts College is full, successful and popular. Prestwich has enough children to warrant two secondary schools and added to this are the many Salford and Manchester children who choose to be educated in Prestwich because of our higher standards.

"I am extremely concerned now for the students, parents and staff of all the schools affected at this time of severe uncertainty.

"We cannot afford to mess with our childrens education and we will be pressing for the interests of children and staff to be paramount at all times in the months ahead.

"This is another example of Prestwich being let down by Bury Council.

"In recent years Bury has closed our community libraries; sold off our biggest council elderly care home and now proposes to close our community high school."