CAMPAIGNERS from a closure-threatened primary school in Ramsbottom believe they may win their fight to keep St Paul's open.

When the plan to shut St Paul's CE School and move the pupils into an extended St Andrew's CE School was approved by Bury Metro Council's executive committee it was then referred to the council's scrutiny panel.

But at the meeting, three members of St Paul's Focus Group, a campaign group set up to fight the closure, addressed members.

Spokesman Andrew Todd said: "We told them about the dirty tricks that are being played and that not all the information that is being presented to the council is correct."

The focus group showed the panel a letter which has been sent out to parents locally applying for reception places in Ramsbottom schools, it fails to mention St Paul's has facilities.

Mr Todd said: "St Paul's has some spare places and openly invites prospective parents to come and visit the school. A parent who did just that was overwhelmed by the friendly, caring, family atmosphere in which her child felt immediately at home. The child will be joining reception in September.

"We see the scrutiny panel's decision as a big step on the way to a complete victory and this decision being overturned. I am confident that we are going to sin and that we have them running scared."

After the presentation by the group the panel members decided to refer the decision back

to the executive and included a number of questions about the decision.

A spokesman for Bury Council said: "The scrutiny panel has referred the matter back for further consideration to the executive committee which will be meeting in the next ten days to discuss it.

"The decision of the executive, to close the school, still stands, but the members will have to discuss it again before making a final decision."