MP steps in over school row

Governors at a north Shropshire school where a headmaster was suspended for a year are meeting education officials on Monday in an effort to resolve a rift over his reinstatement.

Allan Parkhurst is due to return to his job at Weston Lullingfield Church of England Primary School after a panel of governors voted against his dismissal following an inquiry into allegations of mismanagement.

Meanwhile, the full board of governors, which chose not to re-instate Mr Parkhurst, has been suspended from dealing with staffing issues.

Some parents are now threatening to withdraw their children from the school if Mr Parkhurst does return.

The people who will suffer, of course, will be the children

Owen Paterson, MP

Monday's meeting was arranged after the intervention of the MP for Shropshire North, Owen Paterson.

He told BBC Radio Shropshire: "The current position is very unsatisfactory.

"The people who will suffer, of course, will be the children.

"I hope we can find a solution so that the education of the children isn't disturbed and the future of the school is not put in jeopardy by children leaving."