The event has reflected the unrest over the schools shake-up and campaigners have created two scarecrow Grim Reapers, along Raikes Lane, featuring the likenesses of Cabinet Members John Smithson and Ken Smith.

Sharon Light, wife of former Council Leader Coun Robert Light, is one of the organisers behind the Raikes Lane Reapers.

"We're all against closing the school because it will kill the village.
"East Bierley is a fantastic village and has a fantastic school and to even consider losing that would be heartbreaking," she said.

Sharon emphasised that the protest was a political one and the Reapers were not meant as a personal attack on the councillors.

However, both councillors urged parents to look at the BSF plans in their totality.

Coun Smithson said: "While I'm all for parents campaigning, and I will always support their right to do so, as far as the Grim Reapers are concerned I'm very surprised and disappointed that they've chosen to do this.

"Our proposals are saying the parents have a choice. We need two new schools and we're looking at all the options no decision has been made to close East Bierley's school.

"We want their feedback to be constructive because we are listening to their concerns."

In contrast to East Bierley's earnest protest, Hunsworth's festival was more light-hearted featuring ingenious designs drawing in the crowds.

The hand-crafted effigies along Hunsworth Lane will be inspected this afternoon by a panel of independent judges.

Neil Fuller, member of Friends of Hunsworth, said: "I think that the Scarecrow Festival brings a lot of togetherness to the village. It helps people get to know each other more than anything.

"In a lot of ways it's also brought back village life to Hunsworth because everyone is out looking at the creations and talking to one another. It's fantastic."

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