School mergers 'should go ahead'

Controversial plans to merge 16 schools in Shropshire should go ahead, council officials have recommended.

A report for Shropshire County Council's cabinet meeting next week said falling pupil numbers meant it was needed, despite parents' protests.

Cabinet members visited each school affected and held public meetings with parents and teachers.

Original plans to shut 22 schools were scaled back following objections from parents.

The meeting will be held next Monday.

Among the most controversial plans have been the proposed merger of the Oakland and Long Meadow Schools in Bayston Hill, and the merger of the village schools in Clunbury and Lydbury North.