Primary school mergers approved

Two primary schools in Stourport could close to make way for a new �6.6 million school in the town.

Worcestershire County Council approved plans to close Lickhill Primary school and Stourport Primary on Thursday.

The decision was approved in April but had to be reconsidered after nine councillors questioned the plans after concerns from parents.

The Office of the Schools Adjudicator will make the final decision as Lickhill Primary has Foundation status.

The new school would be built on the former Lickhill Middle School site.

Concerned councillors had asked the cabinet to look again at parents' concerns, educational standards and pupil admission numbers.

Parents who criticised the plans said their children's education would suffer in a larger school.

'Educational Advantages'

A council consultation earlier this year found that 535 people were against closing Lickhill Primary school while 53 were in favour.

Worcestershire County Council said closing Lickhill Primary was necessary because the building was unsuitable.

Councillor Liz Eyre, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Officers were clear about the potential educational advantages a new school could offer in terms of value for money and potential to improve standards.

"Cabinet has as far as it can taken on board concerns to ensure the best interests of the two schools will be communicated to the new leadership team and community interests are followed up."

The county council said all teachers and staff from both schools would have guaranteed jobs in the new school, which is expected to open in 2011.