A PETITION calling for consultations over the future of Darwen Vale High School is still available to sign online.

The Government has earmarked the school for academy status and, on Friday last week, removed the existing board of governors to replace it with an interim executive board of its own choosing.

Outraged staff, parents and councillors want the Department for Education to open full talks over the move and who the sponsor should be if the changeover to academy is confirmed.

To add your name to the petition, which has already attracted more than 1,800 signatures both online and on paper, visit www.darwenvalepetition.org.uk/