AS the school term came to a close, Pensnett High School campaigners stepped up the fight to save it from the axe.

From noon on Friday, parents and residents gathered outside the school gates with banners and posters before being joined by pupils breaking up at 12.30pm to protest at Dudley Council’s proposals to shut the school.

If the plans go ahead the Tiled House Lane school would shut in a year’s time, with angry parents claiming it would rip the heart out of the Pensnett community.

Public consultation is to run for 13 school weeks until December 2.

But Brockmoor and Pensnett ward councillors Karen Jordan and Judy Foster are calling on the council to make sure they consult with thewhole community and not just those associated with the school.

They are also appealing for the council to hold a special Brierley Hill Area Committee meeting as soon as possible to enable the community to go along and air their views.

Judy Foster said: “I am disappointed it has come to this but we must now make sure the consultation focuses on making sure the council listens to the views of the public.

“The proposed closure will impact the community as the lottery- funded sports centre and adult learning centre are both open to the community.”

Karen Jordan said: “My concern is this consultation is just going to be run of the mill because the council has probably already made the decision the school will close.

“If the school is closed, we have to ensure the children are allocated to the schools of their choice.We don’t want another Cradley High situation.

“The council must notify everyone in Brockmoor and Pensnett in the consultation, not just parents and pupils.”

Dudley South MP Ian Pearson is also urging residents to let him know their views through an online survey.

In an open letter to the community, printed opposite, Mr Pearson admits he has no statutory power to stop the closure but “will put as much pressure on the council to ensure that every child in Pensnett and the surrounding areas does not lose out”.

Residents are urged to visit ianpearson.org.uk and fill in the online questions.