Oakland Primary School is one school which faces merger

Shropshire County Council's Malcolm Pate said the debate should involve "as wide a range of people as possible".

Plans to consult on closing 22 schools have been shelved, but the merger of 16 others is still being considered.

The council's cabinet proposed a policy commission, including teachers, unions, and governors, should be set up to discuss issues relating to schools.

It also called for a cross-party group to investigate the way forward for primary schools.

'Debate on table'

The cabinet's proposals will be discussed at a full council meeting on Friday.

The authority claims radical changes are needed to tackle declining pupil numbers and financial pressures.

But it shelved plans to consult on closing 22 primary schools after hundreds protested against the move.

Councillor Pate said those closure plans had been shelved but "that doesn't mean to say there aren't still problems" and debate was necessary.

Councillor Ann Hartley, cabinet member for children's services, said the commission would look at surplus places as well as a wide range of issues around primary school provision.

"The debate is now on the table, and it is imperative we all work together to find a solution," she said.