Mr Balls says every step should be taken to stop rural schools closing

On a visit to Telford on Thursday, Mr Balls said local authorities should not be shutting rural primary schools, except as a "last resort".

"I am really pleased that Shropshire are reconsidering and looking again at these plans," he said.

The move came after hundreds of parents, teachers and pupils protested outside a meeting.

Shropshire County Council had proposed consulting on the closure of 22 schools and the merger of 16 others.

It's important we do everything we can to avoid any unnecessary rural school closures Schools Secretary Ed Balls School closures in dispute

The consultations over closures were put on hold on Wednesday - but amalgamation plans have now moved to the next stage.

Mr Balls said: "Jim Knight (schools minister) has written to local authorities, including Shropshire, to make sure they understand they shouldn't be closing rural schools.

Extra money

"There must be proper consultation and discussion before any decisions are made.

"It's important we do everything we can to avoid any unnecessary rural school closures."

The Lib Dems have accused the government of giving conflicting advice on the future of schools, saying guidance issued last month told councils to close smaller schools and remove surplus places.

A group of Shropshire MPs met Mr Knight on Wednesday night to discuss education funding for the county.