The situation in the Idle area, where it is being suggested that one of two primary schools will have to close, is most unsatisfactory for the children who have just settled into their new schools and particularly for those who are hoping to do so next September.

If there is as much spare capacity as is now being claimed, why was it not foreseen? Councillor David Ward, executive member for education, says that before Thorpe Primary School opened he went back to officers "time and time again" to ask if they were absolutely certain that the opening of the school could be justified. He was assured that they were. Money was spent on preparing Thorpe for its new role.

Now all indications are that the officers got their forecasts wrong. Parkland Middle has filled only 270 of its 420 places while Thorpe, which is said to have siphoned off some of Parkland's potential intake, has only 40 pupils spread over the four youngest year groups.

It would seem to be impractical to continue with the present situation. However, the closure of Thorpe would leave the pupils, including under-fives in the reception class, with an extra mile or so to travel to Parkland. Some of them live in the opposite direction.

Phil Green, director of education, says that proposals regarding surplus places will be put forward to the executive in September. A decision surely needs to be taken more urgently than that so that, if Thorpe does close, the parents of children already at the school or due to join it in September can exercise their choice as to which alternative they would prefer.