MEMBERS of Swindon's School Organisation Committee last night unanimously agreed with proposals which may see under-subscribed schools merge or even close.

Demand for places at primary schools across the borough is expected to decline during the next five years.

As a result, this will lead to more schools with too many places.

Schools that are more than 25 per cent under-subscribed are deemed unacceptable by the council because the cash that could be spent on children and learning is instead wasted on the cost of running large buildings.

If action is not taken to resolve the problem by 2008 there could be more than 20 primary schools in Swindon which are not adequately filled.

The council will begin to work with schools where the long-term picture is one of continuing decline.

Committee chairman Peter Wells, who is head teacher of St Joseph's School, said: "All of these schools have to face up to the fact that, with changing circumstances, they may be subject to review.

"That review may involve relocation, amalgamation or even closure."

The council measures school capacity the highest number of pupils a school could possibly take and compares it to the actual number enrolled.

Latest figures show Holy Family Primary School, Freshbrook Primary School and Salt Way Primary School have the greatest number of empty seats in their classrooms.

But not all schools in Swindon are suffering under-subscription problems.

With the ever-expanding northern development attracting more families to the town, the number of schoolchildren in these areas is on the increase.

A primary school in Taw Hill will open in September 2004 and there has already been considerable interest in enrolling.

Another primary school in the area, Bridlewood, was due to be opened in September this year.

Together, these primary schools will cater for another 420 pupils aged four to seven.

In addition, a secondary school is also on the cards for the Abbey Meads area, which might not be open until 2007 or 2008.

The School Organisation Committee is made up of representatives from schools across the borough, as well as councillors and representatives from the Learning Skills Council, the Church of England and the Catholic Church.

Although the committee agreed to the proposals last night, they do not have the powers to implement any action and only make recommendations.

elidbury@newswilts.co.uk