THE fight has begun to save two Prestwich high schools from potential closure or amalgamation.

Headteachers from Prestwich Arts College and Parrenthorn have publicly announced their determination to keep both schools open.

And there is a wealth of support from parents of pupils and prospective pupils in the area to preserve both establishments.

Mr Geoff Barlow, head of Prestwich Arts College and Mr Mick Fitzgerald, head of Parrenthorn, spoke out at Prestwich area board.

Ironically, their announcement followed praise from the area board for Prestwich High's official launch as a specialist arts college thanks to extra funding from the Government.

A total of eight schools in the borough have been named on a closure shortlist as Bury Council considers shutting up to three high schools.

Neighbouring schools, like Parrenthorn and Prestwich, and Philips and Castlebrook, could be merged as falling pupil numbers will leave 2,400 empty places in ten years time.

Each pair has two options: to amalgamate or close one - although education bosses have stressed that a closure in each of the four pairings will be more than enough to cope with falling rolls.

In a joint statement, Mr Barlow and Mr Fitzgerald said: "We wish to make it clear that we are both committed to preserve the separate identity of both schools within the current strategic review. We believe both schools to be viable, strong and capable of providing a quality education for pupils and an excellent choice for parents."

The news that the two schools might have to go head-to-head for survival angered many parents at the meeting.

Clare Smith, who has two daughters at St Marys Primary School, said: "I am a stakeholder as I have primary age children who will be moving up to high school when the proposed changes are due to take place. I have not been asked for my views and it is very sad that parents like me have not had the chance to speak out. I hope a second stage of consultation will give us a serious chance to get our point across. The way this has been presented and the way the report is written is as though it is a done deal."

Another parent said his daughter attended Prestwich Arts College and the problem was that it was "fit to burst". He added: "It's nonsensical to suggest closing a school. Why not have class sizes of 20 to 25 instead?"

Coun Maggie Gibb, area board member and executive member for children and young people, said: "I would love to see smaller class sizes but the money we get from central Government is determined by the number of pupils.

"I will make sure that what happens over the next two months is a thorough consultation with the stakeholders, including the pupils themselves."

Chairman of the board, Coun Vic D'Albert promised to arrange a special meeting so the public could have their say on the subject.