A RIBBLE Valley primary school is considering changing its admissions policy to favour local churchgoers.

Governors at St Leonard’s CE Primary School in Langho are considering the changes which could come into force in September 2016.

If adopted new policy would favour children who have attended St Leonard’s Church for at least two years above other Christians and families of other or no faith.

The news comes after Whalley CE Primary School’s decision to change its policy was branded as ‘unduly restrictive’ by the local borough councillor and also criticised by parents.

Borough councillor Ged Mirfin, who is a governor at the school, said: “We are protecting children and families who have made a commitment to the church.

“We recognise that we are a community school but, with all the extra housing that could be built in the area, we have to look out for the regular churchgoers.”

If approved by governors, the plan would be sent out for an eight-week public consultation before a final decision is made.