Education officials say the school is "too small and expensive"

Shropshire County Council confirmed on Wednesday that Childs Ercall Primary School is to close.

Council plans to close 22 schools have been shelved but the merger of 16 others is still being considered.

But the Diocese of Lichfield said if other Church of England Schools close, then parents' choices are limited.

Colin Hopkins, director of education for the diocese, said: "Question marks still remain over the long term future of Adderley and Moreton Say schools, which were on the county's list of 22 destined for closure.

'Unsuitable buildings'

"If these three Church of England primary schools were to close it would leave a whole area of Shropshire without Church of England provision for parents who clearly want their children educated in Church of England schools."

He added that other rural schools in Shropshire and elsewhere in the country have low numbers but extremely high standards of education.

But the council has said that the school is "too small and expensive" to remain open.

A report stated there are problems with the site and unsuitable buildings, as well as other schools in the area costing less to run.

The diocese said the decision to close it is not related to the council's earlier announcement about school closures and mergers in the county.