Tears were shed as more than 100 people packed out a meeting to plead for a closure-threatened school to be kept open.

Maesbury Primary, near Oswestry, is one of nine county schools facing the axe under Shropshire Council plans aimed at tackling falling pupil numbers and funding shortages. Last night parents and supporters of the school aired their fears over its future.

It was the in the latest in a series of consultation meetings organised by the council.

Concerns included seeing the village left without a community hub and transporting children to other schools and different catchment areas.

David Taylor, Shropshire Council’s director of people’s services, was keen to point out at the meeting that no decisions had been made and that the council was open to ideas and suggestions.

Anne Young, from Maesbury Marsh, who has two children – one of whom goes to the school – was in tears when she spoke to Mr Taylor.

She said: “I love this school” and added she was concerned about the idea of sending her children on a bus to another school and feared for their safety.

Mr Taylor replied: “We want the children as safe as possible.”

Alison Heard, also from Maesbury Marsh, pleaded with council officials: “Please keep our school open.”

School supporters said the whole community used the building for events including fetes, fundraisers, car boot sales and clubs.

Mr Taylor answered: “We really do want to hear about the community impact.

“A school is more than an institution it is part of the community. We have to seriously consider all these qualities.”

John Eglin, head of Morda Primary School, was also at the meeting and there were suggestions that the two could join as a federation.

Shropshire Councillor Joyce Barrow said with talk of school activities and possible federations there was still hope.

“For me closing the school is the worst case scenario,” she said.

“I know how passionate people feel about the school. I really think we can save the school.”

By Chrissy Symmons