THREATENED primary schools have been reprieved -- but their future depends on continued support.

Shakerley CE School, in Tyldesley, and St John's CE at Mosley Common will stay open Wigan Council's cabinet decided last Thursday, but like all other schools within the borough their position will be annually reviewed.

Decision makers were impressed by nursery plans for both schools and their destiny depends largely on continued demand for places.

The news has been welcomed by Cllr Mark Aldred who has been committed to the fight to keep Shakerley school open.

He said: "I am pleased with the Cabinet decision. If an equal measure of confidence is shown by local parents as by the Cabinet members and Education Department then Shakerley School need not be revisited.

"I am proud to have had the opportunity to work closely with Shakerley School and governors since the consultation period last year. That closeness and determination has proved to others that the school and the Shakerley community as a whole is worth it.

"I have been involved in bringing the Shakerley Community Centre and Shakerley school together and they are now working hard to get a new state of the art neighbourhood nursery on the estate."