CLOSURE is one of the options facing "failing" Townsend Primary school.

A public consultation launched yesterday said that was one of four choices.

Cllr Malcolm Davies, cabinet member for education, said in July closure was "not on the agenda". He could not be contacted as the Daily Echo went to press.

The four options are: no change apart from an action plan; a federation with another school; closure; or reopening as a new school with a new name.

People can also submit their own suggestion.

Andrew Rickett, chair of the governors and an inspector for Ofsted, said: "We are going to have a presentation about the proposals and we will be deciding our response over the next few days."

Cllr John Trickett, for Strouden, the ward that covers the school, said: "I cannot comment until I have studied the proposals but the school is now out of special measures and we have got to think positively."

Cllr Claire Smith, Liberal Democrat group leader, said: "The school should be saved.

"It is of vital importance to the community, and with a new headteacher it can be at the heart of the community again.

She added: "It's not easy for people to get to the other primary schools in the area because not everyone has cars."

The council said the three reasons behind the consultation were that the school was judged as failing' by inspectors, the test results are poor, and the school roll has been falling for years. It has 123 pupils and the council expects it to have 76 by 2011.

Public meetings on the consultation will be held at the school on September 18, at 2pm and 6.30pm.

People must make their views known by 4pm on Friday, October 12.

Written comments can be sent to Felicity Draper, Governor Services and Access Manager, Dorset House, 20-22 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3NL, or emailed to cs@bournemouth.gov.uk.