February 22, 2001 11:47: THE amalgamation of two schools in Princes Risborough is a step closer to going ahead.

Buckinghamshire county councillor Mike Appleyard, cabinet member for schools, has given notice of the plan to combine Berryfield Infant School, Berryfield Road, and Icknield Junior School, Wellington Avenue, with effect from January 1, 2002.

The new school with 360 places would be on a split site for a number of months but council bosses hope it will be entirely on the Icknield Junior School site by September 2002.

Although the council is in favour of the amalgamation, teachers, parents and members of the public can appeal against the proposals.

Cllr Appleyard said the council's objective was to combine junior and infant schools in an area to help keep children as settled as possible.

He said: "The fewer changes children make at a young age, the less they are held back."

The county council also believes that changing schools can hinder a child's education by up to nine months.

But parents believe there are a number of concerns which need to be addressed before an amalgamation goes ahead.

One comment received by the county council is that it would be "criminal" to close the Berryfield School site.

But others are in favour of amalgamation with one parent saying it "will protect the futures of both schools and end the current uncertainty".

Cllr Appleyard said disruption to children would be minimal while building work went ahead on the Icknield site.