THE closure of two primary schools - one almost 300 years old - has been approved.

Councillors have given their final backing to the replacement of Roscow Fold and neighbouring Crompton Fold, Breightmet, with a new school in July.

The new school, the name of which has yet to be decided, will open in the Crompton Fold school buildings. It will take teachers and pupils from both schools.

It has not yet been decided what will happen to the Roscow Fold site.

The closure of the two schools is part of a review of school places being carried out in Bolton to reduce surplus classroom places.

The new school will have a nursery class of 39 full-time equivalent places, and an admission number of 30 with a school capacity of 210 places.

Since the proposals were announced formally in December, the schools have been working closely to ensure the amalgamation goes smoothly.

A temporary governing body has been established and joint school trips have been arranged for pupils from both Crompton Fold and Roscow Fold.

Children and parents have been involved in a competition to name the new school.

Headteacher of both schools Nigel Ashton said: "The decision is a relief and puts us on a firmer footing. The temporary governing body have said all jobs are secure, which allows continuity for pupils from Roscow Fold who will move with their teachers and support assistants."

He added: "The move is being viewed by everyone as very positive. It is quite a task to set up a new school and the governing body is working closely with the local education authority.

"The strengths of each school will be taken forward into the new school to make it stronger."

Roscow Fold was established in 1725, and Crompton Fold was opened in 1939.

Mr Ashton said that pupils would be celebrating the history of both schools.

The new name of the school will be unveiled by Bolton Mayor Cllr Frank White when he visits the school in March.

The shortlist of names for the new school is Leverhulme Primary, The Folds Primary or Seven Acres Primary and will be decided by the governing body after consultations with pupils, staff and parents.