HAROLD Best MP is to hold a meeting with parents concerned about the reorganisation of primary schools in Otley.

He said he had been contacted by several parents following proposals to close schools in the town and would be holding a meeting in the near future.

"It is a complex issue with merits on all sides of the

argument.

"My view is that primary schools should be within

walking distance of children's homes so they can walk to them comfortably, but sometimes that can't be managed.

"This needs careful consideration, but the people of Otley have never let me down when it comes to balanced arguments."

Leeds City Council is proposing to close five schools in the town and reopen them as three primary schools on the sites of All Saints Infants, Westgate Infants and Ashfield Infants. Under the proposals, All Saints Juniors and Chippendale Primary will close.