PLANS need to be made to save a Cockermouth primary school which is under threat of closure, said town councillors.

The future of St Joseph's Catholic Primary School is in jeopardy as a consultation has been launched on whether or not it should stay open, following months without a headteacher, budget issues and historically low pupil numbers.

Cumbria County Council has launched a consultation, revealing that they and the school's governing body, the Diocese of Lancaster, have been fighting hard to keep the school thriving over recent months.

Governors have been unable to appoint a headteacher, pupil numbers have fallen to a historically low level and the school's budget is expected to fall into deficit.

At the close of the 2021 summer term, St Joseph's only had 27 children on roll at the school with two applicants for the September 2021 Reception entry.

At a town council meeting on Wednesday, Mayor Alan Smith called for a new headteacher to be appointed.

Councillor Andy Semple said: "I have seen the school decline in numbers over the years which is sad. People have been voting with their feet.

"But I think it could be turned around if only the school could be kept open.

"There needs to be some sort of plan from the school to reassure parents. We cannot blame them for taking their children out.

"They need to recruit a headteacher and reassure parents."

Coun Isabel Burns said: "There was so much scaremongering that people whipped their kids out.

"It was a brilliant school with a great ethos. My grandkids went there."

Coun David Malloy said: "I think the plan has to include keeping it open.

"Who is to know what is coming as the houses fill up at Strawberry Grange.

"We need a plan from the school and county council."

Funding is allocated to schools based on attendees meaning that the low take-up puts St Joseph's in significant financial difficulty.

Further details, including how to have your say on the school's closure can be found at: www.cumbria.gov.uk/childrensservices/schoolsandlearning/lss/school-organisation/default.asp.