BOSBURY C of E Primary School has issued the following statement this morning following news of its proposed merger with Eastnor Primary School: "The governing body of Bosbury C of E Primary School wishes to express their deep disappointment at Herefordshire Council's proposal to close 35 Herefordshire primary schools. It is with a sense of disbelief that both Eastnor Primary School and Bosbury C of E Primary School, both very successful, high performing and popular primary schools in our local area, are included in the proposed closures.

In the case of Bosbury Primary School it seems nonsensical to close our school and then reopen the "new" school in the same building on the same site with the total capacity (140) unchanged. We have yet to receive an explanation of the principles behind this proposed closure.

The governing body wishes to reassure prospective and existing families that this proposal ensures that the Bosbury community will continue to be served by the existing school building and its facilities. Our school has over the last few years gone from strength to strength and as a community we are all proud of this. This proposal seems unnecessary - the only potential change appears to be a considerable disruption and possible change in staffing.

Bosbury Primary School's governing body and wider school community are committed to overturning this misplaced proposal. Anyone wishing to support us should contact the school on 01531 640276.

Rob Manning, Chairman of Governors, Bosbury C of E Primary School.