I have particular concerns about whether the two proposed new schools will be too large

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas

Councillors will now examine the views before deciding whether or not the issue should be passed to the Welsh Assembly.

The proposals to merge three schools in the area and build two 'super' schools have sparked protests from parents and local officials.

On Friday, a petition of 1,000 signatures was handed in at the town's council offices - calling for a rethink of the merger plans.

Under the proposals, two large comprehensive schools would be formed at St David's and Bryn Offa, while the Groves would be closed.

If the plans go ahead the new schools would be much bigger than the existing sites.

Parents handed in a petition against the plans

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas has been vehemently opposed to the proposals and said the benefits were unclear.

"I am particularly object to the interim proposals which, in my view, transfer pupils unnecessarily from one school to another," he said.

"This will be particularly disruptive to those who are sitting their G.C.S.E's.

"I have particular concerns about whether the two proposed new schools will be too large and whether they will do anything to prevent the drift of Wrexham pupils to out-of-town schools."

Wrexham council say they have carried out an extensive and in-depth series of briefings for all relevant groups.

However, some parents believe their views have not been considered.

The Groves would close under the plan

Speaking outside the council offices during a protest on Friday, Joanne Lench expressed her concerns over the reasoning behind the plans.

"I believe personally that it's money driven and there's no thought gone in for the children," she said.

"Not one of these councillors have got a child at any of the schools who will have their education affected by it all."

The local authority have insisted the proposals are "all about providing pupils with the best schools possible".

Director of Education and Leisure Services, Terry Garner, said: "All views will be considered by councillors before deciding whether to forward the proposals to the National Assembly for their final consideration."