A school near the south Shropshire border has moved a step closer to closure after an independent adjudicator gave his approval to plans to close the school’s doors in the summer.

Dilwyn Primary School, near Leominster, has been earmarked for closure by Herefordshire Council after pupil numbers dropped below 36. It is due to close on August 31.

Now Canon Richard Lindley, schools adjudicator, has backed the decision last year after the school’s governors made one final appeal.

Canon Lindley visited the county two weeks ago and has written to the school.

Councillor Philip Price, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for ICT, education and achievement, said: “We will now work with the school, its staff, parents, carers and pupils, to ensure that the future education of the children is the best that Herefordshire can offer.

“We will also make sure that the school’s existing pupils are transferred to other schools with care and sensitivity.”