Merged schools 'would lose identity'

Two Shropshire village primary schools could lose their separate identities if proposals to amalgamate them go ahead, parents have claimed.

Dozens of people who turned out to a public meeting at Longmeadow School, in Bayston Hill, last night questioned council officers over the proposal to combine the school with nearby Oakland Primary.

One parent said: "Both schools are distinctive in their ethos and in their values. I chose this school because it is a church school."

Initial proposals suggest the two schools might be combined on the larger Longmeadow site.

But people at the meeting raised concerns over the sustainability of the move.

Richard Price said: "We are going to move one school from over there to over here so we are going to need new buildings. Where are they going to play?

"We have a traffic problem, we have a sewage problem, we cannot get in here at night-time when the children are being picked up . . . It is not a bright idea at all."

Ian Budd, assistant director of strategy and business support, told parents it was very important views were aired. He said: "One of the things that has come across is the importance of values that parents place on the church foundation of this school."

But a representative of the Lichfield Diocese said it was certain the authority would put forward a proposal to govern a new combined school.

Shropshire County Council has decided to consult on the possible amalgamation of 16 schools across the county, including Oakland and Longmeadow. A report is due to be presented to the county council cabinet on May 19.