SEVERAL primary schools may have their numbers cut due to the falling birthrate.

The most drastic cuts may be at two Erith schools, Colyers and Normandy, where significant reductions are needed.

Cabinet member for schools Councillor Simon Windle says he is still awaiting a report on the situations and options for the schools, which share a site between Colyers Lane and Fairford Avenue.

Colyers currently has an annual intake of 30 pupils and Normandy has an intake of 90.

By contrast the council is looking at possible increases in places at Castilion and Jubilee primary schools in case more are needed.

It will also be monitoring the demand for places in Welling and the Erith/Belvedere area.

The council is looking to reduce numbers at six other schools to bring class sizes to 30 pupils, which it says will help phase out mixed-age teaching.

Under the proposals, places at Lessness Heath Primary School, Belvedere, would be cut from 80 to 60 places; Hillsgrove Primary School, Welling, from 70 to 60 places; Northend Primary School, Slade Green, from 40 to 30 places; Royal Park Primary School, Sidcup, from 45 to 30 places and Burnt Oak Junior School, Sidcup, would drop from 62 to 60 places.

The council is also looking at numbers at Longlands Primary School, Sidcup, and plans to talk to Rochester diocese about reducing numbers at Bishop Ridley CofE Primary School, Welling.

Cllr Windle describes the proposals as "not very controversial" and says they will dovetail into plans to expand the number of children's centres in the borough.

The centres are designed to bring together organisations and agencies to support families, reducing risk to children's health and wellbeing and maximising their chances in life.

Bexley already has centres in West Street, Erith; Lincoln Close, Slade Green; St Augustine of Canterbury CofE Primary School, Belvedere, and Bexley Business Academy and Greenfield site, Thamesmead.

It now plans to create centres at North Cray, Welling and Falconwood (Welling) community centres; Danson youth centre, Bexleyheath, and in primary schools at Barnes Cray, Crayford; Bedonwell, Belvedere; Upton, Bexleyheath and Colyers/Normandy in Erith.

The plans will now go out to public consultation.