The church said it was concerned about children's education

The church has been opposing plans to build a shared campus in Chapelhall.

Ministers said there was no case for them to intervene after church leaders asked them to block the move in June.

The church has gone to court to challenge that decision and a judge authorised the serving of papers on ministers and the local authority.

North Lanarkshire Council expressed disappointment at the church's decision to proceed with the action and said it has made concessions in an effort to secure agreement.

It has insisted that it wants to protect a distinct education while offering all young people in the area better facilities, where Catholic children would mix with children from other schools.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS AFFECTED St Aloysius, Chapelhall St Ignatius, Wishaw St Mary's, Caldercruix St David's, Plains St Kevin's, Bargeddie Our Lady and St Joseph, Glenboig St Patrick's, New Stevenston

The church said it has "taken huge steps" in accepting proposals for shared campuses in six areas.

However, it voiced concern that the council continued to see the future of the "large" school St Aloysius Catholic primary on a shared campus with Chapelhall primary school.

The Bishop of Motherwell, Joseph Devine, said: "While I have been most anxious to find other ways to settle this extended dispute, I regret that North Lanarkshire Council has left me with no alternative but to seek a judicial review of the decision of Scottish ministers.

"Nonetheless, even at this 11th hour, my door remains open to discuss any proposals which will satisfy all parties.

"I appeal to North Lanarkshire Council to recognise that we have accepted the principle of shared campus provision for six schools and to respond to our legitimate concerns about Chapelhall."

Council leader Jim McCabe said: "It is regrettable that the Diocese of Motherwell is to seek a judicial review over the Scottish Executive's decision to endorse our plans for seven joint campus school projects.

"I am also disappointed at the decision given the long and detailed consultation with representatives from the church which started as far back as October 2001.

"This action by the diocese is very surprising given the number of concessions we have made in our plans which have resulted in significant detailed design changes being made and, in two cases, have resulted in two completely new designs being provided.