AROUND 500 protesters gathered in Warrington last night to voice their feelings about the proposed closure of a popular school.

The council wants to reduce the number of secondary schools because of falling pupil numbers, and close Woolston Community High School in August 2012.

Parents and staff say the school is viable and have urged the council to look at the issue again. A public consultation is now under way into the closure plan.

Campaigner Charlotte Ladbury said: “The num-bers of people who turned up showed the strength of feeling there is on this.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to respond to the consultation as the final decision about whether to close the school will not be made until February.”

Cllr Sheila Woodyatt, Executive Board Member for children’s services, said: “Parents, pupils, staff and local residents have expressed their concerns clearly and we understand those concerns.

“However, we have a commitment to deliver a broad and rich curriculum and small schools with falling rolls would jeopardise this.”