Education watchdogs could re-examine plans next month to merge two Shropshire primary schools if opposition councillors once again send the matter for re-investigation.
The county council cabinet unanimously agreed yesterday to publish statutory notices to close Lydbury North School and expand neighbouring Clunbury to 120 places under the authority’s controversial policy to tackle falling pupil numbers.
The proposal has been fiercely opposed, particularly at Lydbury.
There will now have to be a formal six-week period of consultation before a final decision is made but the process could be delayed if opposition councillors again seek to have the issue “called-in” for investigation.
Roger Evans, chairman of the children and young people’s services scrutiny panel, said that if it was called-in, then the panel would consider the issue during July.
Parents and school governors from both villages, along with members of the public and local councillors, packed the cabinet meeting.
The decision was met with stunned silence but several people were in tears.
Councillor Ann Hartley, member for children’s services, told the meeting that an amalgamation would result in “massive capital investment” on the Clunbury site.
She later said: “It was important to make a decision to halt the uncertainty and move forward.
Ludlow MP Philip Dunne said today: “I am very disappointed that the cabinet went along with bureaucratic plans which will lead to closure of Lydbury North primary school.
“I have repeatedly urged the county council that this proposal was flawed and Lydbury North should continue to have its own school.”
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