A ROW HAS blown up over the lack of “appropriate” information given to a series of meetings across Shropshire that triggered plans for nine school closures.

Sixteen meetings involving headteachers, parent governors and councillors were held to discuss the future of school organisation in the county and help Shirehall officials formulate proposals for dealing with surplus classroom places and funding problems.

But at a special briefing session at the weekend for representatives of schools with fewer than 100 pupils, several speakers claimed that inadequate information had been given at the meetings.

They said it made it difficult for people to make a judgment as to whether a particular school was sustainable or not.

Heather Kidd, a Shropshire councillor and school governor, said the meetings lacked appropriate information for a “meaningful conversation”. No-one was immediately available at Shropshire Council today to comment on the claims.

Meanwhile it is claimed a Shropshire village is facing one of the biggest decisions in its recent history without enough information or proper consultation.

Alison Baseley, chairman of St Martins Parish Council, near Oswestry, has called for an urgent public meeting with Shropshire Council officers on plans to create an “all through” school in the village.

The council wants to see the new complex on the site of Rhyn Park secondary school, closing Ifton Health primary school.

Saturday’s briefing event was organised by Shropshire councillor Peter Phillips who represents Bishop’s Castle. About 40 people attended, including campaigners fighting to prevent the closure of schools such as Barrow, Maesbury, Stiperstones and Onny.

Councillor Phillips urged campaigners to take their arguments and evidence for keeping schools open to the council’s cabinet and a wat-chdog scrutiny committee.

Guest speaker Mervyn Benford, information officer of the National Association for Small Schools, presented a strong defence for small schools and urged campaigners to challenge officers over the data and information they presented, such as on transport costs.

By Education Correspondent Dave Morris