Church split over school mergers

Two Church of England dioceses are split over plans to merge 16 of Shropshire's primary schools.

Council bosses have recommended they close and be replaced by eight new ones because of falling pupil numbers.

Hereford Diocese, which covers the south of Shropshire, said it did not believe the decision had been made on "educational grounds".

But Lichfield Diocese said it welcomed the plans to amalgamate four of its schools in the north of the county.

'Falling numbers'

The Bishop of Ludlow, Michael Hooper - who works for Hereford Diocese - said the church had supported many of the schools financially and if they shut it could mean a change of life to the communities involved.

Colin Hopkins, diocesan director of education for Lichfield Diocese, said the replacing schools would remain Church of England voluntary controlled schools.

He said the proposals would "enable the Church of England to continue serving the children from these communities".

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

County councillors will make a final decision on the plans on Monday.