The Hereford Diocese organised a meeting on Tuesday night for people involved with its 42 church primary schools in south Shropshire.

A number could close or merge because of funding pressures and empty places.

Diocese director of education Ian Terry said there were fears from teachers and parents that their views would be ignored in the council-led review.

He said one teacher after another expressed an "underlying concern" about the nature of the consultation and raised fears it could be a "token" exercise.

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 from Shropshire County Council said they must review how schools were organised, as declining numbers meant less government funds.