THE future of two primary schools in Nailsea is safe - for now - after suggestions to merge or close them were dramatically dropped. The North Somerset Times has learnt that

THE future of two primary schools in Nailsea is safe - for now - after suggestions to merge or close them were dramatically dropped.The North Somerset Times has learnt that education bosses were looking at the possibility of merging Hannah More Infants and Grove Juniors and creating one large primary school.It is understood that the move would involve dissolving the current Hannah More Infants governing body and creating a new one for both schools.Other suggestions including closing the two schools, which are on adjacent sites at Whiteoak Way, and building a new one in the town, were also considered.The options were put forward in a report written by a special working group set up to look at school re-organisation in the district. The confidential report was presented to a meeting of North Somerset Council's children and young people's services policy and scrutiny panel on Thursday.But when the North Somerset Times revealed to the authority's education bosses on Monday that they were aware of the proposals and planned to uncover the news to its readers, they immediately announced a decision had been made to keep the two schools as they are.North Somerset Council executive member for Children and Young People's Services, Councillor Jeremy Blatchford confirmed a review of the future of the two schools had taken place.Cllr Blatchford said: "This review was conducted thoroughly and in confidence."I have decided on the basis of professional advice, the views of the governors and the views of the children and young people's scrutiny panel, that there is no case for a merger or for rebuilding the schools. "I will be signing a decision sheet today (Monday) to confirm that there will be no merger or closure of Hannah More Infants and Grove Junior School."Mystery however surrounds exactly why the review, which is believed to have got underway months ago, did take place.Cllr Blatchford said: "I cannot comment on the reasons why the review of the two schools was triggered."But it was in line with council policy.