Parents campaigning to save their school broke down in tears today as councillors unanimously voted for merger proposals to go ahead – despite a lack of funding to secure the project.

The decision means Oakland and Longmeadow Schools in Bayston Hill, near Shrewsbury, will be combined to create a new school, which could cost about £3 million.

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But at today’s county council cabinet meeting, Ann Hartley, portfolio holder for children and young people’s services, said the £3 million was a “notional” amount.

Oakland chairman of governors Cameron Taylor urged councillors to delay the proposals for moral and financial reasons.

He said: “In our community referendum, nearly 1,000 people voted and 75 per cent voted for the amalgamation to cease.”

But Councillor Hartley said the council had listened to all concerns and the funding was being dealt with. This week, it was revealed education managers failed to secure more than £8 million for the countywide schools merger project – as well as a separate £3 million bid for Bayston Hill.

Mrs Hartley also said Longmeadow was the “silent party” in the proposal and there were two sides to every story.

But Liberal Democrat group leader Peter Phillips, urging members to vote against proposals, said no decision should be made until funding was secured. He said: “You must decide to maintain both schools, which are successful and well regarded by the community and you have no need to close them.”

After the meeting, Oakland parent Elaine Fletcher, one of about 20 who protested outside Shirehall, said: “I’m absolutely gutted. Ann Hartley promised to listen to the views of parents and has not taken anything into consideration.  It is just one big mistake.”

Fellow parent Keeley Caudwell said: “I’m very angry. Nothing we have said has been listened to.” Andrea Broadhurst said: “What they are passing is completely wrong, completely unfair and they have not even got the money.”