School merger consultation ends

A public consultation on controversial proposals to merge 16 schools in Shropshire ends later.

The county council's cabinet members have visited every school which could be affected and held public meetings with parents and teachers.

The authority had originally proposed to close 22 schools but scaled back the plans following protests.

It said the results of the consultation would be considered at a special cabinet meeting on 19 May.

Radical changes

All submissions need to be made by the end of Friday and a final decision is expected to be made in late July.

The authority claims radical changes are needed to tackle declining pupil numbers and financial pressures.

Councillor Ann Hartley, cabinet member for children's services, said: "We need to discuss the reactions and views of parents, governors, teachers and the wider community to each of the proposals.

"Any decisions will be made with the educational needs of children at the forefront of our minds."