SCHOOLS in Ilkley and Addingham fear education cuts of more than £1.2 million are being considered by Bradford Council to balance its books - after the leak of a document.

The school library service, welfare benefit clothing grants, specialist ethnic minority language aid and repair budgets are all facing swingeing cutbacks.

But education bosses say no final decisions have been taken and their aim is to protect schools from having to shoulder any reductions.

But teachers, unions and opposition councillors said they were appalled at the plans when academic achievement is already low.

Peter Marsh, head teacher at Ilkley's All Saints First School, said he believed the cuts would have an impact on schools but said the Local Education Authority could have looked to make them in areas which would minimise any adverse effects.

He said: "We're all running on very tight budgets already so any cuts in education services are not good news.

"But in defence of the local authority, central government must answer some questions on why Bradford is being under-funded."

Jane Drake, head teacher at Addingham First School, said she was 'disappointed' the cuts were being considered but said she could not comment further until she knew more about the proposals.

Menston Councillor Chris Greaves, for the Conservative group, said it was beyond belief that cuts in education were even being considered.

He said: "Bradford Council should be giving more money to schools, spending more on classroom repairs, more on books and more on its teaching staff."

Bradford education committee chairman Councillor Jim Flood, said: "No final decisions have yet been made about where savings should be made and widespread discussions between the Council, schools and unions are still taking place to draw up firm proposals for consideration in the near future."

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