No schools have yet been identified as under threat in light of falling pupil numbers and a shortage in funding.

Philip Dunne and Owen Paterson, MPs for Ludlow and North Shropshire, are meeting officials as part of a consultation which ends next month.

Mr Paterson said the council is being "squeezed" by the government.

"Shropshire County Council is being severely squeezed by the government's refusal to understand the cost of delivering public services in thinly populated rural areas and its determination to spend dramatically more in inner city areas," he added.

It really is a wonderful community around this area and as you can appreciate not many people live here and the school provides a focus point John Rowe, head teacher at Hope Primary School

But a spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families said it was a decision for local authorities but once more than 25% of place were unused there was a "strong case" for looking at why that was happening.

"It is important that the issue is addressed, not ignored, and that local solutions are found that benefit children and parents in the area," the spokesman added.

Councillor Ann Hartley, from the council, said they wanted the consultation to reach as many people as possible.

John Rowe, head teacher of Hope Primary School near Minsterley, said all village schools are valued by their community and ideally none should have to close.