Anger over school closure plans

Parents and pupils gathered in Buildwas to protest at the plans

Parents, teachers and governors have reacted with anger to plans to shut 22 primary schools in Shropshire.

The county council has revealed the list of schools it wants to shut or merge in a major shake-up of education.

One head teacher said shutting his school, which generations of the same families had attended, would "devastate" the community.

Some schools included in the list have already vowed to fight the county council's plans.

We're very confused as to why we've been put into their pot

Rachel Warner, governor

Andrew Spreadborough, head teacher at Rushbury Primary School, said: "We have got fantastic school grounds, we live in the countryside, why should we have to leave?

"There are some children here who have had parents and grandparents come to this school and to shut a school where generations of families have come would be devastating to the community."

One mother, whose daughter attends Cheswardine Primary School, said: "My daughter's got cerebral palsy, she comes to this school and the support from the staff is fantastic.

"And it won't close, because we will sit outside the gate and make sure it doesn't."

Chairman of governors at Cheswardine, David Howes, said a special meeting to discuss the proposed closure would take place on Wednesday afternoon.

Rachel Warner, chair of governors at Nesscliffe St Andrews, said: "We're devastated and shocked really and this process so far has been far from transparent.

"We're very confused as to why we've been put into their pot."

She added that building work was due to start next month to extend the school.