A political battle is brewing to save a Mid Sussex school which is threatened with closure.

Members of all parties on Crawley Borough Council last night threw their weight behind the fight to keep open Three Bridges First School in Crawley.

Conservative-controlled West Sussex County Council plans to merge the school with the nearby Three Bridges Middle School, creating an all-through primary.

Parents lobbied councillors at last night's meeting and members who until now have broadly agreed with the county council's planned shake-up voted to support the parents' campaign.

Even Tories on the borough council voted against their colleagues on the county council to give a 21-6 victory.

Campaigner Maria Leonard said: "It exceeded our expectations because even the Conservative councillors voted with us, which was really surprising.

"There were councillors there who said they had come in with their minds set but we had changed them because we put forward such a good argument.

"We are still fighting on. This is the first victory.

"The infant school is a very safe environment for children of a young age. It is a brilliant school and it has brilliant facilities."

Parents are concerned if the schools are forced to merge and the first school site has to close their children's education will suffer.

Chris Mullins, executive member for leisure, culture and education in the borough, said: "I voted in favour of the campaign although it did not fundamentally change what the council has already been doing.

"The campaign is fighting to defend the school. The council is agreeing with that position."

Objectors to the county council plans have until August 5 to send in their letters. The proposals will then go to the Schools Organisation Committee for discussion.

It is planned any changes will take place in September 2004.