CLOSING Coln House School in Fairford would leave a gaping hole in the community, say town councillors.

They are fighting to stop the axe falling on the residential centre, which cares for 55 children with behavioural problems and employs 50 people.

At a recent meeting councillors heard that education chiefs visited the school, as part of a consultation exercise on a planned shake-up of special needs provision in the county.

A report being considered by Gloucestershire County Council proposes that both Coln House and Cam House School near Dursley be closed.

They would be replaced by a new £5 million school on the Cam House site, which would have residential accommodation for 75 children and 15 day places.

The results of the consultation will go before the county's cabinet committee in June.

The town council has agreed to write to the county to protest the plans.

Councillors praised the school, which was put into special measures four years ago, but recently received a glowing Ofsted report.

Coun Freda Lang said: "The school doesn't just provide provision for children, it gives a lot back to the community.

"Over the years the existence of Coln House has been beneficial for Fairford.

"If it closes, it will also have a big economic impact locally."