Closure of a 170-year-old primary school would be like “ripping the heart out of the community” it has been claimed.

Governors and parents at Lixwm Primary School have said that potentially having to move children from the historic site would be “distressing” should Flintshire Council plans go ahead.

It is expected that, despite months of attempts to retain its independence and even federate with other schools, Lixwm Primary School will amalgamate onto a new single site with the nearby Brynford, resulting in its closure.

In a bid to keep up the fight, parents have penned an open letter to colleagues at Brynford CP in the hope of convincing them to support federation proposals.

Governors at Brynford had previously knocked back the plans as they felt it would add “bureaucratic issues” and not achieve cost savings.

In the letter, seen by the Leader, the Lixwm parents said the potential move out of their school would be “distressing” for their children, adding: “as I am sure it would be for your child if the situation was reversed.”

They said: “It would also be devasting for Lixwm community, ripping out the heart of the community: a school that has been there for 170 years.

“You may be aware that Flintshire Council offered both schools the chance to form a federation (purely on the basis of sharing a headteacher) rather than amalgamation, although they would only do this voluntarily with the support of both governing bodies.

“The governing body of Lixwm fully support this and tried to convince Brynford governors that this would be a better option, however, they declined preferring the amalgamation option.”

In January, Councillor Ian Roberts, Flintshire Council cabinet member for education, recommended the future of Lixwm Primary School and Ysgol Brynford move to a statutory consultation, but offered hope to campaigners in Lixwm and said that, should a ‘solution’ be found, the school could still remain open.

Authority chief executive Colin Everett said anyone consulted could offer up a new option for the future of the school.

Hoping to win over their counterparts, Lixwm parents put over their reasons for supporting a federation.

They included: “A shared headteacher could facilitate co-operation and sharing of resources between the two schools.

“Schools (would) stay as they are keeping their own identity rather than a new school be created with a new uniform, new name and potential redundancies as staff apply to fit into a new structure.

“Rural communities supporting each other and future proofing the viability of a school in both communities.

“If Lixwm loses its school, it becomes less attractive to young families and the numbers issue could resurface in a few years leaving the new school vulnerable.

“Keep the small school atmosphere that parents of children at both schools chose for them.”

The Lixwm parents also called on their colleagues to contact Brynford’s governing body to express their views.

They said: “If you feel that these arguments strike a chord with you.

“Please respond to the consultation rejecting the proposal and offer the viable alternative of a federation.”

A public engagement period on the future of both school is expected to end in April with a cabinet decision expected on the next phase by June.