THE fate of two primary schools in Ramsbottom could be decided tomorrow by a scrutiny panel set up to look at controversial proposals to close them.

Members will examine plans relating to St Pauls and St Andrews, triggered by falling pupil numbers.

Education chiefs are proposing to either close St Pauls and accommodate pupils at St Andrews, close both schools and build a new school on the site of St Andrews or keep both open.

At the last Ramsbottom and Tottington Area Board meeting, councillors voted to keep the schools open but those views were only advisory.

Members have the option of not taking the proposals any further but if they vote for one of the proposals, people would have two months to lodge any objections.

Campaigners bidding to save St Paul's are expected to turn out in force to the meeting after having been dealt a blow by the diocese, which is backing its closure.

Parents with pupils at St Paul's formed an action group to try to save the historic building in Crow Lane.

But the Manchester diocese recommended closure, along with St Andrew's in Bolton Street, and a new renamed school be developed on the site of St Andrew's.