THE MP for Torridge and West Devon has expressed his ‘disappointment’ that a village school could close.

The Post has previously reported on Devon County Council’s consultation on the future of Sutcombe Primary School, which could result in its closure.

The deadline for responses to the consultation was Tuesday (October 20).

Despite the consultation deadline, a parents action group ‘Save Sutcombe School’ said it is determined to continue to campaign against potential closure of the school.

The group has launched a poster and banner campaign with the slogan ‘Save Sutcombe School — our children matter’.

Some parents also met with Conservative MP Geoffrey Cox at the weekend.

Mr Cox said: “I am extremely disappointed by the proposal to close Sutcombe Primary School, which is a valuable asset to the local community. I have recently met parents of children at the school who speak of its excellent pastoral care and good standards and I have received many letters in its support.

“Parents have stressed to me their concerns about these proposals and told me how happy they are with the school’s performance, not least for those children with special educational needs.

“In addition, with more housing being built in the village and other local schools being fully subscribed it seems clear that there is a strong case to keep Sutcombe Primary School open, and I have made strong representations to the Local Education Authority on behalf of my constituents.

“I have also spoken to the Cabinet member of the Devon County Council for Schools about the issue and will be meeting him again soon for further discussions.”Anyone in the area interested in obtaining a copy of the group’s poster is asked to email [email protected]