MEMBERS of a village school governing body have walked out.

Eight governors at Egerton Primary School are understood to have handed n their resignations forcing the local authority to intervene and establish an emergency interim executive board to run the village school.

It is unclear why the governors have stepped down ­— but a statement published on www.egertongovernors.co.uk reads: “It is with great sadness we would like to inform you that on Monday 19th October 2020, eight out of the 10 non-staff governors resigned from the Governing Board of Egerton CP School.

“For some time now we have felt that we have been prevented from being able to govern effectively. In order to maintain our own integrity we feel that we have no choice but to resign.”

Underneath are the names of the chairman Heather Aspbury, Helen Allanson, James Bent, Kerry Hurst, Dorothy Jones, Andy Kirman, Sue Martin and Emma Price, many of whom hold senior positions.

The statement has been sent by a parent who told The Bolton News they were concerned why they had not been notified about the members of the governing body resigning. But it is understood letters have since been sent to parents.

Responding to the statement, a Bolton Council spokesman said: “We were sorry to learn of the resignations at Egerton Primary School and thank those who are stepping down for their long and committed service.

“We have worked with the school to set up an independently chaired interim executive board with the remaining non-staff governors, educational professionals and community members.

“Parents should be reassured this will not impact on the day-to-day running of the school and children will continue to benefit from high quality teaching in a safe environment.”

The school's website now reads: “Our Governing Board information is currently being updated and will be published in due course.”