AN IDYLLIC primary school near Otley is set to close by the end of this year.

The governors of Farnley C of E (VA) Primary have begun consulting over plans that would see the school shut on December 31.

An online campaign has already started to oppose the move, which the school says is due mainly to a sharp fall in pupil numbers - with only 16 attending this year.

While Farnley is in North Yorkshire, many in Otley - less than two miles away - fear the closure would put even more demand for places on the town's schools.

A North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) statement said: "The governing body has reluctantly reached the view that the closure is necessary to secure the interests of current and future pupils from Farnley, because pupil numbers have fallen to a level where it is will be difficult to provide a high quality of education...in the long term.

"The governing body has not reached this position lightly and has been working closely with the Local Authority and Diocese to explore alternatives.

"However, it is considered that these measures will not offer a solution that will sustain the school in the long term."

It goes on to say that governors are also concerned about:

*The school's financial position

*Educational standards

*The "availability of secure leadership".

Only four years ago Farnley was rated 'good' by Ofsted, but an inspection in 2014 found it 'inadequate' and in need of special measures.

Supporters, however, are not going to let the school close without a fight.

A Twitter and linked Facebook campaign, named Save Farnley School and More School Places for Otley - Keep Farnley School Open, respectively, is up and running.

The Facebook page, backed by a number of local parents, states: "With Otley parents finding it harder and harder to get school places for their primary school children, and with these problems only going to be made worse by current housing development, shutting down a school that can take over 100 children so close to town is madness."

Councillor Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "On a strategic level, Farnley School's closure would impact on Otley.

"On many occasions Otley has struggled to find places for its children and Farnley, along with Askwith, Pool and Menston, has taken small numbers of children.

"The school should ideally stay open until provision in Otley can better meet upcoming demand."

A public meeting about the closure will be held at the school from 6pm on Wednesday, July 1.

The governors are set to make their decision on September 9. If it is to proceed with the plan, a final decision would then be taken by NYCC on October 27.