Governors at a junior school have rejected proposals to merge with a nearby infant school.

The board of governors for West Rise Junior School, Chaffinch Road, Eastbourne, voted to turn down plans for an amalgamation with West Rise Infants, which shares the same site.

Angus Scott, chairman of the board of governors for the junior school, said: "The main reason for the rejection was, despite repeated requests, there has been a lack of information throughout this procedure. We have asked for paperwork on previous occasions which has never arrived."

Mr Scott said he did not believe many parents of junior school children were in favour of the merger.

Despite the vote against an amalgamation, consultation will begin among all staff, parents and residents over the proposals.

Education bosses at East Sussex County Council will sound out feeling about creating a larger primary school for children aged between four and 11.

The schools already share the same site but receive separate funding from the county council.

They are joined through a shared kitchen and will soon share a sports hall, being built as part of a National Lottery funded Space for Sport and Arts initiative.

Most children already go straight from the infant department to the junior school.

Councillor Rupert Simmons, lead member for education, said: "I hope that many staff, parents and local people will participate in this consultation."

Anyone wishing to make a comment should contact the county council before July 25.