education chiefs have recommended the closure of a South-ampton infant school because of falling pupil numbers.

Letters have gone out to parents telling them of the proposal to close Moorlands Infant School in Bitterne, which is just less than half-full, with 120 pupils aged from four to seven currently on roll.

With 123 surplus places ( 51 per cent) due to falling birth rates it falls well below the 25 per cent of spare places threshold set by the government for action to be taken.

Defiant parents have vowed to continue their fight to save the school in Kesteven Way. Close could come at the start of next year's autumn term.

Three parents have already declared their intention to speak at the next Cabinet meeting on July 5 before the council's executive member for education Councillor Calvin Horner decides the school's fate on July 19.

Jo Barnard, the parents' spokeswoman who has two children Riccardo, 7, and Sophie, 5, at the school said she was "extremely saddened" by the recommendation. This has been a massive, stressful, time-consuming project.

"If you have a public consultation and nothing anyone says makes any difference, what's the point?"

However, Mrs Barnard said parents, who only this week protested outside the civic offices for the school to be turned into a one form entry primary, were far from giving up.

"The battle is over, but the war is far from lost," she said. Head of resources, policy and planning Andrew Hind said the school had raised concerns about its viability in the past because of falling pupil numbers, and in turn its downturn in funding.

Mr Hind added that the recommendation was not a "fait accompli" with more opportunities for people to make their views known. Southampton's schools boss Ian Sandbrook said he was confident neighbouring schools would be able to cope with the extra pupils if Moorlands was to close.

Margaret White, acting head teacher, said: "While respecting the LEA's decision to recommend closure, I am greatly saddened by it.