A parents' action group has been formed in the bitter row over proposed changes to Dunmore Junior and Infant Schools in Abingdon.

The Dunmore Action Committee says Oxfordshire County Council's consultation offers no parental choice - and they fear the council will just push through a decision to open a new school linked to Fitzharrys School.

Only 20 per cent of parents in the area choose to send their children to Fitzharrys - due to concerns about academic achievements and discipline.

Action committee member Jonathan Hopkins said: "The council is paying lip service to consultation and we fear a decision is being railroaded through.

"Just three councillors decided on the options for consultation, at a meeting in September. Despite requests, the council has yet to release the papers and records of that meeting."

Mr Hopkins said the long-awaited options paper gave little new information to help the governing bodies or reassure staff and parents.

He said any decision to change a school structure should be strategic, well-planned and consulted on to ensure the best education for children.

He added: "Parents do not automatically want the status quo. Some look positively on the potential for change.

"However, the county council's consultation offers no parental choice - alternative options for the schools' future are not included."

The council's options are to open a single primary school or to link up with the neighbouring secondary school Fitzharrys.

Dunmore Junior has been put on special measures after losing 10 headteachers in three years.

Written responses to the options have to be returned to the council by December 22.

Judith Morris, the council's head of educational effectiveness, said: "We will be looking at the responses to the consultation in detail before any decision is taken about the future of the two schools."

The council will explain its proposals at a meeting at Dunmore on Tuesday and at Fitzharrys on Wednesday. A full report of the responses will be made to the county council's cabinet in mid-January.

One woman from north Abingdon, who sends her children to both Fitzharrys and Dunmore Junior School, said there had been too much scaremongering and it was time for parents to look carefully at what was being proposed.

The woman, who did not want to be identified, said: "There are a lot of parents who've come out against the proposals but there are also people like me who say we must hear what's being suggested.

"I want to see the best education for our children.

"Maybe it's time for a change."

Parents have to choose the preferred school for their children for next September by December 8 - without knowing what will be happening at Dunmore.