A fact-finding visit has been made to Shropshire by the independent policy commission which is investigating how best to secure the future of county primary schools.

The commission visited Clive, Baschurch and West Lullingfields yesterday, to help get a feel for the issues facing schools of varying sizes. The commission was set up following huge protests at plans to close and merge schools.

Commission chairman, Neil Kinghan, stressed: “We wanted to get an understanding of the issues in small schools, and in those which are larger, and how they are dealing with the pressures.”

It was not, he said, a signal that any of the schools was liable to be closed.

The commission is looking at the future reorganisation of primary schools along with the problem of falling pupil numbers and funding shortfalls.

It was formed following protests at county council plans to close 22 schools and merge 16 others in a bid to tackle 3,000 surplus classroom places. So far the commission has received 350 responses from parents, teachers, governors and councillors across Shropshire.

Mr Kinghan said these would be analysed and a progress report would be presented to a cross-party reference group in October.

But he also gave a pledge that he would personally read each of the responses.

From November to January, the commission will begin gathering oral evidence at meetings.

Some of those who have already submitted written evidence will be invited to speak to the commissioners but there will also be an open public session at each meeting so that as many people as possible can have their say.

The meetings will take place at Ludlow Town Football Club on November 26, Dodington Lodge Hotel, Whitchurch, on November 27, Shropshire Education and Conference Centre, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, on December 15, Severn Centre, Highley, on January 13 and Whitchurch Civic Centre on January 14.

The proposals will be considered by the new unitary Shropshire Council.

“We will make our recommendations and then it will be up to the council to decide what it is going to do with them,” said Mr Kinghan.

By Dave Morris