PARENTS on Canvey are calling for a change in the way school places are allocated, following the announced closure of Furtherwick Park School.

Families with children starting secondary school in September have only been given the option of Castle View or Cornelius Verm-uyden schools.

But the schools are both on the top end of the island and places are allocated to those living closest.

Parents in the eastern end of the island, in the Leigh Beck area, feel this means those living nearby have their pick of the schools, while they have to put up with the remaining places.

Mark and Jenny Holdaway, who live in Orrmo Road, wanted twin daughters, Paige and Georgia, 11, to go to Cornelius Vermuyden, but have been told they will instead have places at Castle View.

They have now lodged an appeal against the decision.

Mrs Holdaway, 47, said: "We didn't want our children to go to Castle View, so we didn't put it as an option - we only put Cornelius Verm-uyden.

"But we've been told we've got a place at Castle View and I know lots of people at the Point end who have applied to Cornelius Vermuyden haven't got in either. It's just so unfair."

Essex County Council has decided to close Furtherwick Park School and move Castle View School to the site in three years time.

However, this has prompted many parents to pick Cornelius Vermuyden as their first choice, because they are concerned about the disruption to their children's education with Castle View's future move.

Anne Wood, Castle Point councillor for East ward, said: "Residents feel bet-rayed. They were assured when they went to a meeting about the school consultation they would get their place at either Cornelius Vermuyden or Castle View. But is not happening.

"As I understand it, nobody in the area of Smallgains, Leigh Beck or the Point has got their first choice if it has been Cornelius Vermuyden."

Ray Howard, Essex county councillor for Canvey West, confirmed he would be looking into the situation and the selection process.

He said: "I have a great deal of sympathy for these parents and can understand their annoyance.

"I strongly recommend they go through the appeals process, go before the panel and get listened to."