Mrs Kidd says other ways of saving money should be looked at

Heather Kidd, chairwoman of governors at Chirbury Primary School, said the review was poorly publicised and too complicated for parents.

Shropshire County Council is carrying out consultation which could see some small primary schools shut because of falling pupil numbers.

But Mrs Kidd said other ways of saving money should be looked at instead.

This poorly publicised consultation could easily lead to the closure of many of our village primary schools Heather Kidd, School governor

By 2012 it is estimated there will be nearly 3,500 fewer children in Shropshire's 141 primary schools than there were in 2001.

Education chiefs said they must review how schools were organised, as declining numbers meant less government funds.

They want primary schools to have a minimum of four classes.

Mrs Kidd said the information on the council's website was "very poor" and difficult to follow.

'Cutting services'

"This poorly publicised consultation could easily lead to the closure of many of our village primary schools.

"Educationally there is no reason to do this, in fact the town schools often have a poorer educational record."

Mrs Kidd, a district councillor in south Shropshire, said other ideas like shutting a secondary school in Shrewsbury, cutting services or raising council tax should be looked at.

Education officials at the county council have said unless the current structure is reviewed, Shropshire primary schools will have 20% surplus capacity by 2012.

The Audit Commission recommends a maximum of 10% empty places in a school.