CONSULTATION on the future of West Swindon's schools has started.

Swindon Council says that unless three schools in the area close there will be 800 spare places by 2009 and is looking at how to address the problem.

A full consultation document on the proposals is now available at www.swind- doneducation.org.uk as well as from schools, libraries and community centres.

There will be public meetings, attended by a representative from the Education Department, at Upper Shaw Farm at 7pm on February 17 and at the Freshbrook Community Centre which will be at 8pm on March 22.