Parents of pupils at a threatened school for visually-impaired children have attacked a Council review into its service as "flawed".

The criticism comes as Temple Bank School, in Daisy Hill Lane, faces possible closure as part of Bradford Council's reorganisation services for visually-impaired children.

At a packed meeting of the Temple Bank School Action Group, its chairman, Carol Hodson, said the Council's Audit Group had not properly consulted parents.

She said the Audit Group based their findings on negative replies to a parent questionnaire on the school's performance - which made up only one per cent of the total - ignoring the positive points, which made up 65 per cent of the results. And, she said the school's financial review was carried out by a trainee accountant.

But Bradford Council's Education Directorate defended the review, rejected the plea for another and stressed no decision had been made on the school's future.

A spokesman said: "It is not true the report on the survey into Temple Bank School was based on the views of only one per cent of parents who said they were unhappy.

"All the differing views of parents were taken into account to ensure the steering group prepared a balanced survey."

The spokesman said the financial review was carried out by an accountancy graduate in the final year of Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy accreditation.

According to the Council, parents of the school's 51 pupils were issued with a letter on Monday explaining the Audit Group's two options for the school.

Option One is for closure and to set up a mainstream-resourced service. Option Two would see the school retained either as it is now or, alternatively, with certain changes.

Mrs Hodson said: "This to me means Option One restricts parents' choice and does not give our children the opportunities offered by the current service."

A protest march will set off from the school at 1pm this Saturday and head for Forster Square. Petitions against a closure will be carried on the march. For information call Carol Hodson on (01274) 403673. A public meeting will be held on July 9 at the school.

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