Closure-threatened schools denied additional time

Three schools, scheduled for closure, have been refused more time by Shropshire Council.

Wakeman secondary, Maesbury primary and Stiperstones primary were among six schools backed for closure by the council's cabinet on 4 May.

A second, six-week statutory consultation period is due to start on 16 May.

The three schools had asked for more time to investigate options that would allow them to stay open.

Councillor Aggie Caesar-Homden said the schools had not put forward "viable, long-term, sustainable alternatives".

The cabinet member for children and young people's services added the council would still consider any plans submitted during consultation.

'Fight on'

About 800 pupils across the county are affected by the plans, almost half of them at Shrewsbury's Wakeman.

Ruth Exelby, a parent and governor at the Wakeman, said the school would fight on despite the decision.

Ms Exelby said: "I think the council have underestimated the reaction that the communities of Shropshire have come up with to these proposals."

Both Stiperstones and Maesbury primaries said they had asked for more time to put together their separate plans for federation, which would allow two or more schools to save money by sharing resources.

A final decision on the proposals will be made by Shropshire Council's cabinet on 20 July.