SCHOOL closure plans will force us into cars. This was the Walk to School Week message from angry mums and dads at two Romsey schools facing the axe.

Passing cars hooted in support as about 35 parents from Romsey Infant and Junior schools lined Cupernham Lane yesterday morning to protest against the proposed shut-down.

Mums and dads waved placards and banners during their peaceful half-hour demonstration.

They say they'll no longer be able to walk to school if they're forced to travel out of town.

Trish Moody, who has children at the Romsey schools in Plaza Parade and Mercer Way, said: "Making my children cross Cupernham Lane in the rush hour every day, when we have a great school on our doorstep, is completely irresponsible. That road is a death trap for youngsters.

"I won't let Hampshire County Council put my children's lives at risk."

Mum-of-two Claire Bourne added: "I couldn't possibly expect an eight-year-old and a six-year-old to walk over a mile, including a hike up a huge hill, each morning.

"I'd have to drive them, but everybody knows how bad the traffic is around Cupernham and Halterworth schools."

The protest came at the end of the government's Walk to School Week, in which parents and children were encouraged to hit the streets on foot for their daily journeys to school.

Under the proposals, pupils at the town centre schools would be shunted out to Cupernham or Halterworth schools.

Parent Philippa Hudson added: "Closure of the two schools will undoubtedly result in the generation of even more traffic movements at what is already a busy time of day.

"More traffic is likely to result in more accidents, some of which will inevitably be serious."

The campaign group wants to see Romsey infant and juniors amalgamated into one community school. Already 300 people have pledged their support.

Parents are hoping to collect more signatures today as they take their petition to Romsey shoppers in The Cornmarket.