An MP has strongly objected to proposals to merge three schools as part of a council’s bid to axe hundreds of unfilled school places.

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, has submitted his response to West Sussex County Council on its consultation for reforms to education in Worthing and Durrington, to remove 953 currently unfilled primary school places across the borough.

Among plans is the merger of Worthing’s Lyndhurst Infant School, Chesswood Junior School and Springfield Infant School into a single “all-through” primary school on two of the existing school sites.

The proposal has caused a huge uproar from parents, teachers and pupils from Springfield, who have launched a campaign to save the school.

Earlier this month, West Sussex County Council confirmed that, “at the request of Springfield”, the council is now consulting on an option for the school to remain a "stand-alone infant school”.

In his letter to Councillor Nigel Jupp, cabinet member for learning and skills, Mr Loughton said he had received more than 100 emails and letters from concerned residents about the scheme.

He said “not a single constituent” has written to him supporting the inclusion of Springfield in the merger.

“Given that this is a small school with just 200 pupils this is a remarkably high level of engagement emphasising the strength of feelings on the proposals,” he wrote.

“I understand and support the need to reduce the number of surplus places at primary schools in the Worthing area although I may differ on the level required and the likely increased demand  from families moving into Worthing.

“I understand that Chesswood and Lyndhurst support the proposals and that is where the problem of surplus spaces exists.

“Removing Springfield from the equation need not prejudice the need to address surplus spaces.

“I therefore urge the council to stick with the option that excludes Springfield from the changes and retain the status quo there.”

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said the amount of unfilled school places is affecting the amount of government funding schools receive and creating varying class sizes which makes planning resources “difficult”.

He said the proposal to merge Springfield Infant School, Lyndhurst Infant School and Chesswood Junior School into an “all-through” primary school on two of the sites would reduce 330 of the unfilled places.

The council is also proposing to increase places for children with special educational needs and disabilities.