York parents whose children are being denied their school of choice have lobbied councillors asking them why they should lose out under a system which is recognised as unfair.

More than 1,500 parents from the Fishergate area have signed a petition calling for extra provision to be made at Fulford School, to accommodate their children.

And last night parents and children carrying placards bearing the slogan "local schools for local children or no vote on May 6" gathered outside the Guildhall to lobby education committee councillors as they arrived for their meeting last night.

"What we want is for the council to provide more accommodation at the local school," said Fishergate parent Trina Warriner.

"I think we have already got the message across to some degree but it is something we all feel very strongly about."

The action group has already made representations to council officials, who came up with the scheme to send Fishergate primary school pupils on to Burnholme rather than provide an extra classroom at nearby Fulford School.

Parents believe Burnholme is too far away and say council suggestions that a bus could be laid on will not solve the problem.

They say their children will still be taken out of their own community to be educated and will not be able to participate in extra-curricular activities.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Sarah Busby told councillors that operating an unfair system fairly did not make it right.

"We know there is sympathy for our case," she said.

"The current dual system is recognised as unfair and, by accidents of birth and geography, these children have become its random victims."

But Councillor Janet Looker, chair of the education committee, said while it was recognised the current system was "muddled and unclear", parents first had to seek individual redress through the appeals system.

She said it was only when councillors had the outcome of all the appeals that they would be able to decide on the best solution.

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