Parents and kids across Northumberland to find out schools future

Thousands of parents, kids and teachers across Northumberland will find out if their local school will close later.

Northumberland County Council will announce this morning if they're going ahead with plans that'll see 16 schools close across the region.

It comes as more than 10,000 petition have signed a petition, circulated by the Save Tynedale's Amazing Rural Schools campaign group, pleading with the council to reject the plans.

Helen Yates, from the group, said:

"If we do lose up to 16 of our fantastic rural schools, it will mean children from rural communities potentially having to be bussed hundreds of miles each week to schools which are much further away.

"This will obviously impact them and increase tiredness, impact their ability to do after school activities etc."

Cllr Wayne Daley, deputy leader and cabinet member for children's services at Northumberland County Council said:

"There are a number of issues affecting education in West Northumberland, some of which are fundamental and outside of the council’s control.

"To hear the views and ideas of everyone with an interest - be they parents, teachers or young people themselves - we have held a seven week informal consultation.

"This has been all about gaining the views of families, schools and the wider community, and we have taken all these into account in moving to the next stage."

The report published later will set out recommendations which the council cabinet will consider when it meets on May 8th.