CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Burley C of E First School's church status have received a real boost from Westminster.

Village MP Chris Leslie has delighted everybody connected with the school by rejecting the prospect of a one-church school system for Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Staff, parents and governors have voiced anger at Bradford Council's proposal to create a new Burley Primary School on the present Burley Middle School site, but without church status.

Gary Shipley, chairman of the school's Parent Teacher Association, said: "We are very very pleased that Mr Leslie has examined the proposals and agreed with us. He has clearly studied the situation and decided to reflect the views of his constituents."

In his submission to Bradford Council education chiefs, Mr Leslie said: "The council is proposing to close this school completely and have a significant change of character at Burley Middle School so they become a primary school."

Mr Leslie said the letters he had received on the subject overwhelmingly wanted to see Burley C of E First School staff, governors and management survive and for this school to undergo a significant change in character to a primary school, taking over the middle school site.

"I believe there is a very strong case for Burley C of E First School to have a significant change of character.

"I do not agree with the proposal to close this school.

"A conversion of the First School to a Primary would be in line with the changes in the overwhelming majority of middle school sites across the rest of the district," said Mr

Leslie.

The MP delighted parents further. He said: "I do not agree with the council's view that the need for a non-Church of England school in Burley is sufficient reason to reverse the normal process of transition. My feeling is that the demand for a second C of E primary school is high and should be met."

Glynne Edwards, head teacher of Burley C of E First School, said: "It is absolutely marvellous. Mr Leslie has

obviously given the matter a great deal of thought."

The school's supporters have worked hard to raise awareness of their potential 'plight.' Chas Stansfield, a member of Bradford Council's school review team, was left in no doubt how strongly parents felt at a public meeting in the Queen's Hall last month.

A campaign headquarters has been running at the school for some time, manned each day by parents determined to prevent the 'spirit' of the school being lost forever.

Schools affected by the review should learn their fate early next week.

l Despite uncertainty over its future, the school is pushing ahead with its centenary celebrations.

An old boys and old girls coffee morning (for former pupils and staff, young and old alike) is being held on Tuesday June 30 (10am-11.30am).

Anyone wanting to meet up with old friends at this 'reunion' can contact the school on 01943 863242.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.