Formal notices about plans to close failing East Brighton College of Media Arts were due to be published today.

The notices were set to appear in The Argus, at the school in Wilson Avenue and around the east Brighton area.

Education bosses decided to publish the declarations after a meeting of the children's, families and schools committee on Monday.

The statutory notices propose closure from August 31, 2005.

Councillor Pat Hawkes, who chairs the committee, said: "It is with considerable sadness that we have agreed the recommendation to pursue closure of the college.

"But we are keen to hear people's views on the published proposals.

"The children, families and schools committee intends to meet again early in February and we will consider very carefully all objections and representations received in response to the public notices."

The council decided closing the school was the only option after several months of consultation.

A number of reasons were given, including loss of parental confidence in the school.

There were also fears that poor academic performance made the prospect of an increase in pupil numbers remote.

The council said there was sufficient pupil capacity at other secondary schools in the city to take all the college's pupils if it closed in 2005.

Every college pupil would be found an appropriate school place and their parents would be consulted on their preferences.

Existing pupils at the school would, if it closed, become eligible for free school transport.

Councillors said publishing statutory notices was not the same as closing the school and would continue consulting on it.

The final decision would be taken by the independent schools organisation committee in late February if any objections were raised.

Anyone wishing to object or make comments on the closure proposals should write to David Hawker, Director, Children, Families and Schools, PO Box 2503, King's House, Grand Avenue, Hove BN3 2SU.

Any representations must be received by the council before Saturday, January 17, 2004.

Friday December 05, 2003