Protestors gathered outside Shirehall in Shrewsbury where county councillors approved a new schools policy.

Education officials say sweeping changes are needed to reorganise the county's 141 primary schools because of declining pupil numbers.

But campaigners against the policy claim the move could seriously damage rural communities.

'Dreadful' process

Ann Hartley, cabinet member for schools, said: "It's been a very hard road to come to this, but I do passionately believe it is the only option for the sustainability of education in Shropshire for years to come and for the children."

Lib Dem councillor Peter Philips, who is against the plans, said the process had been "dreadful".

"We will invite members of the public to join us in guerilla tactics to seize up the operation and implementation of the policy. We will fight every closure."