Reports that primary schools in Yeadon could be forced to close are being played down by teachers and councillors.

Leeds City Council is trying to address the issue of surplus school places across the city and Yeadon has been earmarked as an area of investigation.

Under the plans many schools could be closed, but in the case of Yeadon, it has been predicted that the schools will be safe.

In November, a report is due on four schools in Yeadon.

Yeadon Southview Infant School and Yeadon Southview Junior School, which are set to amalgamate in 2004/5, are being looked at.

Westfield Junior School and Westfield Infant School have also been targeted in the report - but Junior School headteacher Kevin Metcalf told the Wharfedale Observer that he is confident the two schools will not have to face the music.

"We all know how full the school is so there is now worry here, and I can say that the infant school is doing well. The council has liaised with us about the plans and we will work however we are asked, but our school is thriving - we have a capacity for 240 and we have got 233.

"It is time for some difficult decisions to be made and I think that the council are in an invidious position."

Leeds City Councillor Graham Latty (Cons, Aireborough) said: "What I know is that suggestions are being made rather than plans being laid. "However, I would not be in favour of anything which would lose places in Yeadon.

"I cannot see any way that the number of school places is going to reduce with the expansion we have got in the area. I cannot see any way that closures could be validated."

The council's executive board was yesterday due to be asked to back the latest review.

Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, said; "We face a major problem caused by the falling birth rate, which means that by 2005 one in four of our primary school places will be empty, with each empty place costing us around £500 per year.

"This is why we must undertake this review and implement workable solutions in partnership with schools, governors, parents and communities. So far, our consultation has identified a number of areas across the city that require action, whether this be amalgamating existing schools or closing schools."