TELEPHONE hotlines could be set up across Pendle to allow worried parents to speak to education staff.

The move follows Lancashire County Council's decision to close existing education offices in Burnley and Nelson and combine services at central offices in Accrington in a controversial cost-cutting move.

After the closure, a staff member will be available permanently at Nelson Library to provide people with advice and help on matters such as school uniform, free meals and admissions and there will be a telephone service to the central offices.

A telephone hotline to the central education offices is also being considered for Colne, probably in the library.

Colne county councillor Tim Ormrod hopes other lines can also be established in libraries across the borough to give parents direct access on the telephone to education staff.

"I've persuaded my county council colleagues of the wisdom of having a dedicated line for the exclusive use of Colne residents," said Coun Ormrod.

"I've always said the service would improve after local government re-organisation and this will be one of the hallmarks of a better service and a more effective service to the public."

Coun Ormrod said he hoped other lines would be set up across Pendle in the future.

County council chairman Councillor Hazel Harding will visit Colne on Marc h 20 to discuss the scheme with Coun Ormrod.

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