Oldfield First School supporters say Bradford has not defeated them yet.

After hearing the devastating news that the much-loved village school is to close, parents, governors and teachers are already assembling their troops and preparing for battle. Two meetings are planned to take place in the next week at which a portfolio containing facts and figures supporting the school's argument for it to be kept open will be checked and finalised.

On Tuesday morning, head-teacher Maggie Redpath held a one-hour meeting with Keighley MP Ann Cryer who is very supportive of the school and '100 percent behind small rural schools'. It was decided that Mrs Cryer should approach Estelle Morris, school standards minister, and invite her to visit the school. She will also be asked whether or not she will accept a delegation of parents and governors to appeal against the council's decision.

Mrs Cryer, who looked around the school and met parents, says: "I have a long relationship with Oldfield and just feel that we are in a slightly ludicrous situation. The school is beginning to lose pupils because of the threat of its closure. In my view it is a very viable school. The council's arguments fail on all accounts.

"It's not just a school but a community centre for the village as well, and it would be absurd to close the school and keep the centre open.

"I feel that the council should be looking at small schools like Oldfield and should be rejoicing in them for doing such a good job. They provide a very homely and supportive environment for children who go there and it will be sad to see it close."

The school is now to appeal to the Department for Education and Employment against the closure of the school.

Worth Valley Labour councillors Mike Young and John Cope will be available to offer help and advice on Bradford council issues at Oldfield First School on Saturday, September 26, from 10am-11am.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.