DATES have been set for four public meetings as part of a review into school places in the Redbridge and Millbrook area.

Parents, governors, teachers and residents are all invited to attend as education bosses outline their proposals to reduce the number of surplus places due to declining birth rates.

At least 400 places need to be removed across the community as a school's funding depends on the number of pupils it attracts.

If a school fails to attract enough children it will not be able to afford the upkeep of empty classrooms and other school buildings.

Among the proposals put forward is an option to close the 126-pupil Mansel Infant and 161-pupil Mansel Junior schools, which together have 133 spare places (32 per cent).

Other proposals include amalgamating the schools, reducing the admission numbers of Tanners Brook Infant and Junior schools and extending Redbridge Primary. Other schools affected are Mason Moor Primary, Newlands Primary, and Holy Family Catholic Primary. Andrew Hind, head of education support and planning at Southampton City Council said: "These meetings are an opportunity for the Redbridge and Millbrook communities to express their views on the options that lay ahead for their primary schools.

"It has become necessary to reassess the number of primary places in this part of the city due to falling birth rates.

"Southampton City Council is committed to resolving this issue and ensuring staff, parents and governors are involved in any decision."

The four meetings will take place on the following dates:

March 14 - Tanners Brook Junior, Elmes Drive, 7.30pm until 9pm

March 15 - Mason Moor Primary, Helvellyn Road, 7.30pm until 9pm

March 17 - Newlands Primary, Ullswater Road, 7.30pm to 9pm

March 21 - Redbridge Primary, Redbridge Road, 7.30pm to 9pm

March 22 - Mansel Junior, Culver Close, 7.30pm to 9pm

The outcome of the consultation will take place on the May 9 meeting of the city council's Cabinet when a final recommendation will then be made.

Following a second consultation a final decision will be taken on the way ahead. No changes will be introduced at schools before September 2006.