IT IS a huge shame to hear three schools in West Sussex could be closing.

Our children’s education is always an emotional subject, so the anger and frustration from parents over plans for these schools is understandable.

Of course, West Sussex County Council will argue they have good reasons for closing schools and we imagine it is not something they take lightly.

But though financial viability is important in schools, it should not be the be-all end-all. Education must come first, even at a cost, because that is the most important thing to ensure our children succeed.

It is no secret schools have been devastated by cuts over the past decade, so the fact some are struggling to stay in the black is not surprising.

And when a school is struggling to buy supplies, of course pupils’ education will suffer too.

Every effort should be made to keep schools open, especially in villages where children might otherwise not have a school.

And it is important to remember the environment, too, something that is vital for our children.

Closing schools in towns and villages will only force parents to drive further, adding more polluting traffic to our clogged roads.

Many villages are not blessed with great bus services like we are in Brighton, so driving is often the only option.

Of course, in some cases there are legitimate reasons to close schools.

But the Government should be making every effort to ensure councils do not have to make these difficult decisions.