PARENTS could take over the running of doomed Woolston High School in a move bankrolled by Warrington Wolves supremo Simon Moran.

As expected members of the executive board agreed to close the school from 2012 at its meeting tonight.

In a surprise move, councillors were read a letter from parents wanting to run the school independently from the council.

The initial cost would be met by multi-millionaire Mr Moran, head of music giant SJM.

Again, more than 100 protestors lobbied outside the meeting with placards, banners horns.

Ian Johnson, chairman of the governors, told the meeting that an inspection by Ofsted last week had shown the school was making improvements.

He added: "Oftsed found an effective school providing satisfactory and improving education for pupils.

"You (the councillors) are not closing a failing or problem school.

"It is a school improving and contributing to this part of Warrington."

And Clr Colin Froggatt (LAB - Poulton) told the meeting the results of Woolston High were better than those of pupils at Padgate, William Beamont and Thomas Boteler High Schools.

But members voted unanimously for closure.

Clr Sheila Woodyatt, (CON - Lymm) executive member for education, said it was one of the hardest decisions she has had to make.

She added: "We have never thought of this as a failing or problem school.

"This has been very difficult for the people of Woolston.

"I know the people of Woolston feel we have not listened.

"But we have listened and detailed consideration has been given to all the issues raised.

"We have weighed this up very, very carefully."

And council leader Ian Marks (LD - Lymm) said while it was a hard decision, the school had to be closed because keeping it open would have a negative effect on the rest of the schools in the borough.

The decision is unlikely to be the end of the story however.

A legal battle is possible while a scrutiny committee has already been called for next Wednesday to discuss the issue further.