CAMPAIGNERS have expressed "extreme disappointment" after governors announced they are to push ahead with the closure of Farnley School.

The Church of England Voluntary Aided primary's fate now seems sealed following the governing body's publication of a statutory notice, giving people four weeks to comment, last Thursday.

The idyllically placed school, near Otley, received a Good Ofsted rating just four years ago - but by 2014 was judged Inadequate, with inspectors noting a "marked decline".

The governors had outlined their intention to close the primary in June, citing a sharp fall in pupil numbers - along with financial, educational and leadership concerns - as the reason.

The new notice, which was issued following a consultation period and has gone to the local press and been posted on the school's website, says: "The Governing Body of of Farnley Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School intends to discontinue ( the school) on December 31, 2015.

"Within four weeks from the date of publication of this proposal, any person may object to or make comments on the proposal by sending them to: Corporate Director- Children and Young People's Service, North Yorkshire County Council, County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AE, by 5pm on October 15."

More School Places for Otley, Keep Farnley School Open, the campaign group set up to fight the closure, now appears resigned to defeat but is determined that lessons must be learnt.

A spokesman said: "We were disappointed to learn that the governing body of Farnley Primary School had published their further intentions to press ahead with the school closure.

"A notice was published in the announcement sections of local newspapers and also pinned to the school door, rather than being distributed to the local community.

"We had also written to the Head of Education in North Yorkshire, and were disappointed that our offer to work with the local authority didn't attract any response.

"The letter, also shared with the governors, sought to bring as many interested parties to work together as possible to make one last effort to save the school.

"But, in keeping with the process so far, it would appear there was an unwillingness by the local authority and governors to engage with the local community.

"Whilst extremely disappointed with the decision, we will now work to seek assurances from local and national government that lessons are learned from this situation."

The group, which has a Facebook page and can be contacted by e-mailing savefarnleyschool@yahoo.com, is urging people to make their views known by commenting on the closure plans before the deadline.