PARENTS have been promised that they will be fully consulted before any decision is taken on the future of Beechdown Primary School.

Hampshire County Council revealed last week that options for the arson-hit Brighton Hill school included being rebuilt on another site or closed altogether.

At a public meeting yesterday, held in the Brighton Hill Community Association hall, angry parents voiced their concerns about the affect it would have on their children, especially travelling to a school further away.

Madonna Courtney, of Gershwin Road, who chaired the meeting, said: "If Beechdown had not burnt down there would not be a question of this happening."

Some families have been so alarmed by the possibility of the school being moved or closed that six children have already been pulled out.

Brian Gurden, a councillor for Brighton Hill, accused the county council of having a "hidden agenda". He said it was using the money set aside to rebuild the school to extend early years provision in the town instead.

However, Chris Holt, county education officer, was adamant that no decision had yet been made about the school's future.

"We won't make a decision until everyone it affects has had an opportunity to have their say and that will influence the decision," he said.

Mr Holt apologised to the parents, who heard about the proposals through the local media. He said the papers were sent out by accident.

A full consultation meeting is to take place at the county council on December 18, at 6pm, and a decision is due to be made on the school's future next May.